The future of women’s fútbol looks bright for Mexico, with the women’s U20 side beating the U.S. in the 2023 CONCACAF Championship, which took place in the Dominican Republic. The hard-fought game ended with a 2-1 victory for Mexico at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez in Santo Domingo, in a game that saw Mexico’s goalkeeper, Itzel Velasco, emerge as the standout player.
She wasn’t just a standout in the final – where she saved a penalty kick, but throughout the whole tournament, where she appeared in four matches, registered two clean sheets, and conceded just two goals as El Tri won their second CWU20 crown.
The U.S. controlled possession most of the game and had the best scoring chances, but Mexico didn’t just hold on, they got the late goal they needed to avoid overtime and win the tournament. Neither the U.S. nor Mexico created many opportunities – with the U.S. creating four to Mexico’s 3, but the difference is that Mexico converted two of their three, with the U.S. only converting one of their four, and missed a penalty too.
Sometimes, particularly in a physical game, efficacy is the name of the game. This time, that benefited a Mexican team that, just like the U.S., looked a little tired after a week-long week of matches.
Both Mexico, the U.S., and third-place finisher Canada secured a spot in the Women’s U20 World Cup. The host and dates for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup have not yet been announced.
Costa Rica’s Sheika Scott was crowned the tournament’s top scorer, while Mexico’s Alice Soto was named the best player, and the fair play award went to the U.S.