The US cruised into the final after beating tournament hosts Honduras 7-0 while Canada beat Mexico 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after being held to a scoreless draw.
It’s the fourth straight regional title for the US, who prevailed over Canada 1-0 in the final courtesy of an Ashley Sanchez goal in the 72nd minute at Estadio Olimico Metropolitano, and the second under current coach Michelle French.
It was a tightly contested match and Sanchez prevailed after intercepting a mis-kick by goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx, she took a touch and slotted a right-footed shot home from 10-yards out. It was the first goal conceded by the Canadians in the competition after blanking the opposition for 462 minutes.
“We were able to do it again the USA way, stayed mentally into the game and never gave up,” Sanchez said following the match.
Making the final saw both sides through to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup where they will be joined by Mexico who prevailed over Honduras in the Play-off for Third Place.
El Tri dominated against the home side but only had a goal in each half from Kiana Palacios and Jacqueline Crowther to show for their efforts.
Mexico are the final team to qualify for the 16-team event, and are set to participate in their seventh tournament, missing out only in 2004.
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is being hosted by Papua New Guinea in November 2016.
For more on the world game visit www.fifa.com

Share