West Ham United U21s made a winning start to their Premier League International Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Valencia Mestalla.
Joel Kerr came off the bench to score both goals at Victoria Road, breaking the deadlock in the second half before adding a stoppage-time penalty.
The result gives Mark Robson’s side three points from their opening Group A fixture and continues an encouraging start to the season across several competitions.
West Ham U21 Valencia clash decided by Joel Kerr
The first half ended goalless despite both sides having spells of pressure.
Valencia started brightly and created the better early openings, while West Ham grew into the contest before half-time.
The visitors then struck the woodwork shortly after the restart as they looked to turn possession into a breakthrough.
Robson responded with changes on the hour, introducing Kerr and Jude Longman as West Ham searched for more threat in the final third.
That decision paid off.
Kerr opened the scoring in the 71st minute, finishing a counter-attack with a low effort that went in off the post.
His impact continued deep into stoppage time when West Ham were awarded a penalty.
The 17-year-old stepped up and converted to complete his brace and secure a 2-0 victory, with the final score and both Kerr goals recorded in the match data.
Kerr continues excellent West Ham form
Kerr’s two goals continue an impressive start to the campaign.
The winger had already scored the winner when West Ham beat Liverpool in Premier League 2 earlier this month, a match in which Jethro Medine also earned Mark Robson’s praise after an eye-catching role switch.
His form has also been recognised internationally.
Kerr was recently named in Northern Ireland’s Under-19 squad, with his call-up forming part of West Ham’s extensive academy representation during the international break.
The victory over Valencia follows the exact path supporters were able to preview through our West Ham U21 vs Valencia live-stream and kick-off guide.
Valencia were the first of four European opponents awaiting West Ham in Group A.
Robson’s side will also face Monaco 2, Juventus Next Gen and Jong Genk as they attempt to progress into the knockout stages.
The young Hammers have already made a positive start domestically too, beating Liverpool and drawing with Leicester City in Premier League 2 while also recording victories in the National League Cup.
Kerr’s emergence adds another encouraging element.
West Ham’s 2026/27 U21 fixture schedule underlines the number of competitions Robson’s squad must navigate this season, but the opening International Cup result suggests their momentum is carrying across formats.
A clean sheet and a match-winning contribution from one of the academy’s most promising young attackers represents an ideal start to their European campaign.
