Couva (Trinidad and Tobago): Mexico were crowned CONCACAF Women’s U-20 champions for the first time in history after a drama-filled victory over holders US here on Monday.
Mexico defender Miriam Garcia was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) while Jordyn Huitema from Canada won the Golden Boot.
Meanwhile, as the tournament served as qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018, the top three teams, Mexico, USA and Haiti will represent the CONCACAF region at the global finals, which will take place from August 5 to 24.
Coming into the finals, nothing could separate the two regional rivals after regulation and extra time, but it was Mexico who prevailed from the spot with goalkeeper Emily Alvarado making two crucial saves.
Dayana Cazares opened the scoring for El Tri (Mexico) with a well taken goal in the 18th minute as the Stars and Stripes went behind for the first time in the tournament.
Half-time substitute Tierna Davidson found the equaliser for coach Jitka Klimkova’s side when she headed in from close range in the 49th minute.
Both the teams battled for the duration of the second half and extra time with both sides creating scoring opportunities, but the margins proved too fine and the victory was to be decided on penalties.
Katty Martinez scored the first penalty kick and Alvarado saved the US’s opening kick to ultimately give coach Christopher Cuellar’s team the momentum they needed to make history, and bring home the trophy for the first time in their history at this level.(IANS)
