DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The knockout stage of the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship in the Dominican Republic kicked off on Saturday with the Round of 16, as
Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States all recorded clean sheet victories to reach the quarterfinal stage.
Puerto Rico advanced to the final eight of the tournament thanks to a strong second half in a 2-0 win over Panama at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo.
It took until the hour mark before the deadlock would be broken, and it would come from Madison Krakower in the 60’ to give the Boricuas a 1-0 lead.
Panama looked to respond, but an insurance goal for Puerto Rico in the 86’ courtesy of Rachel
Baez sealed the win for the islanders.
The first game of the day at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez saw Mexico defeat Guyana 15-0.
Valerie Vargas (2’, 49’, 54’), Layla Sirdah (27’, 33’, 44’) and Tatiana Flores (47’, 56’, 60’) each had a hat trick and were joined on the scoresheet by Michel Fong (5’), Jade Martinez (34’),
Katherin Guijarro (59’), Maribel Flores (82’), Deiry Ramirez (90’), along with an Alyssa Blake own goal in the 74’.
The Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal was the site of one of the most exciting games of the tournament, as Costa Rica edged Nicaragua 1-0 to advance.
The winning goal came right before halftime with Tanisha Fonseca finding the back of the net in the 45+3’ to earn the Ticas a quarterfinal spot.
Reigning champions U.S. started the day at the Estadio Panamericano in commanding style
with a 11-0 triumph over Curacao.
Nicollette Kiorpes scored four goals (1’, 7’, 55’, 84’), while Mia Bhuta (39’, 67’) and Onyeka Gamero (41’, 73’) each bagged braces, to go along with scores from Melina Rebimbas (11’),
Lauren Martinho (29’) and Mia Oliaro (58’).
