COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago — You can’t win them all, especially shootouts.
Mexico defeated the United States in penalty kicks to capture the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship at Ato Boldon Stadium Sunday night. The Mexicans won the tie-breaker, 4-2, after the teams played to a 1-1 draw.
Both teams already had qualified for the Under-20 World Cup in France this summer by securing their respective semifinal matches. The U.S. stopped Haiti in a shootout in the semifinals, 3-0, after playing to a 1-1 tie.
The Americans had their streak of four consecutive CONCACAF U-20 crowns snapped by their rivals.
Belen Cruz converted the winning penalty kick as goalkeeper Emily Alvarado stood out in the tie-breaker. Alvarado, who was born in El Paso, Texas, plays for Texas Rush of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
After Mexico had taken the lead on Dayana Cazares’ goal in the 33rd minute, Tierna Davidson equalized for the U.S. in the 49th minute.
More details coming.