The U.S. Under-17 men’s national team had always set the tone in each of its matches at the Concacaf U-17 Championship, but after falling down early in Sunday’s final vs. Mexico, Gonzalo Segares’ squad could not find a way back to capture its first trophy since 2011.
Stephano Carrillo and Luis Navarette both scored for Mexico to give El Tri a 3-1 victory over the Americans on Sunday night in Guatemala. Pedro Soma pulled one goal back midway through the second half for the USMNT U-17’s, but Mexico would hang on to claim its ninth U-17 Championship following Isaac Martinez’s stoppage-time penalty kick goal.
Carrillo stepped up from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after USMNT U-17 goalkeeper Duran Ferree fouled Brandon Lomeli in the box. Carrillo converted from the spot to give Mexico a 1-0 advantage and an early grasp on the scoreline.
Ferree made two key saves as the half went on to keep the Americans from going down by a much larger scoreline at halftime.
Mexico kept its pressure going in the second half and made the Americans pay from a corner kick in the 51st minute. Fidel Barajas’ corner was headed home by Navarette, doubling El Tri’s lead and keeping the pressure on the USMNT U-17’s.
The Americans began picking up their pressure as the half went on but Norberto Bedolla was up to the task. Chris Aquino’s effort was denied by the Mexican goalkeeper while Keyrol Figueroa was also kept from cutting the Americans’ deficit in half.
However, the USMNT U-17’s pulled one goal back in the 69th minute as Pedro Soma headed home Aquino’s corner kick, making it 2-1 with ample time to play.
Oscar Verhoeven’s effort in the 80th minute was repelled by Bedolla while Cruz Medina was also left frustrated following his miss in the 83rd.
Ferree’s second yellow card offense condemned the Americans to 10-men in the 89th minute and Mexico would seal the deal in stoppage time. Isaac Martinez slotted home from the penalty spot, giving Mexico a 3-1 victory.
The USMNT U-17’s did seal its spot into the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but will be disappointed after not capturing the tournament trophy following a stellar run to the final.
