Mexico wins Concacaf U-20 Championship with late goals against U.S.

LEON, Guanajuato – Mexico won 2-1 over the United States in the final of the 2024 Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship on Sunday at the Leon Stadium in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Late goals at the end of regulation and extra time helped Mexico complete a comeback victory against the reigning champions.

The U.S. had an opportunity to open the scoring in the 24’ as Nikolas Tsakiris served a free kick service to the far post, but Ruben Ramos’ header struck the outside netting.

Stephano Carrillo struck a header in the box in the 26’, but the attempt was over the crossbar.

Carrillo redirected a Mexico cross from Diego Sánchez in the 38’, but U.S. goalkeeper Adam Beaudry pushed away the attempt.

Beaudry made another save in the 39’ as Diego Ochoa struck a header towards goal.

Nimfasha Berchimas placed the U.S. in front in the 52' with a strike from outside the box.

Brooklyn Raines looked to extend the lead in the 61’ but was denied by Mexico goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa.

Elías Montiel struck towards goal in the 66’ but was denied by Beaudry.

Mateo Levy struck a header into the net in the 90’+7 to equalize and send the match to extra time. Yael Padilla provided the assist from a free kick.

Padilla hit a potent free kick in the 100’ to force a corner. Mexico nearly scored on the ensuing corner kick, but Beaudry was there for the save to deny a header in the 101’ from Francisco Méndez.

Diego Ochoa scored the match-winning goal in the 120'+1 with a header in the box.

The victory gives Mexico its fourteen Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship title and its first since the 2015 edition. The result also ended a streak of three consecutive tournaments in which the U.S. finished as champions.