Pair of goals off headers lift Mexico to CONCACAF 20-U title
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MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Cristóbal Alfaro scored twice as Mexico retained its CONCACAF U-20 Championship soccer title with a 2-0 victory over the United States in the final on Sunday.
The Mexican defender opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful, close-range header from a set piece. Alfaro sealed the victory with another header in the 69th.
“It’s a dream come true. Although I scored, this is a collective achievement. I thank the fans for their unconditional support,” Alfaro said in a post-match interview. “It was an incredible experience to win at home.”
The U.S. team was reduced to 10 men just before halftime when captain Chris Applewhite received a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Hugo Camberos.
Mexico finished the tournament unbeaten and only conceded one goal.
Mexico and the U.S. were already assured of spots in next year’s Under-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan ahead of the final. Mexico and the U.S. will also participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by reaching the final.