Mexico beat the United States 2-0 in a contentious final of the Concacaf Under-20 Championship at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Cristóbal Alfaro scored both goals for El Tri.
“It’s a dream come true,” the Atlante FC center back said, per ESPN.com. “Although I scored, this is a collective achievement. I thank the fans for their unconditional support. It was an incredible experience to win at home.”
The United States went behind in the 29th minute, and the comeback became more complicated after center back Chris Applewhite received a red card just before halftime. Based on the replays, Applewhite appeared to make marginal contact with a sliding tackle on Mexico’s Hugo Camberos but was nonetheless sent back to the dressing room following a video review.
For Mexico, the victory capped off a dominant run. The host country won all three of its group matches and didn’t allow a single goal. Mexico proceeded to win its three knockout fixtures by a combined score of 8-1.
El Tri firmly controlled Sunday’s final. They finished with 58 percent possession and five shots on goal to zero for the United States.
In addition to his two goals, Alfaro helped keep Rubén Ramos and Dino Klapija in check. The American tandem combined to score seven goals in the tournament but were silent at the Azteca.
The U.S. did at least punch its ticket to the 2027 U-20 World Cup by reaching the semifinals.
