LEON, Guanajuato – The United States and Mexico booked their place in the 2024 Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship Final with victories in their semifinal bouts on Friday at the Leon Stadium in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Reigning champions U.S. continued their title defense with a victory over Panama. Hosts Mexico won against Cuba with two first-half goals.
Raines lifts United States over Panama
The United States defeated Panama, 2-1, to advance to its fourth consecutive Concacaf Men's Under-20 Championship. Winners of the last three editions, the U.S. continues its defense in search of four consecutive trophies.
Rafael Mosquera struck in the 3’ from a free kick as Panama tried to cause an upset, but U.S. goalkeeper Adam Beaudry made the save.
Mosquera struck on goal from another free kick attempt, in the 7’, to no avail.
Nikolas Tsakiris was denied inside the box in the 27’ by Panama goalkeeper Cecilio Burgess but could not capture the ball before Ruben Ramos tried a strike on goal. Aimar Modelo slid in to deny the attempt and clear the ball steps from the goal line.
David Vazquez broke through with the opening goal in the 40', placing his right foot to redirect a cross from Tsakiris.
Rafael Mosquera tied the match in the 72' to convert a penalty kick opportunity for Panama.
Brooklyn Raines hit the match-winner in the 86', striking off the volley on a clearance from the Panamanian defense for one of the tournament's best goals.
Mexico tops Cuba to return to final
Mexico won 2-nil against Cuba to secure the second spot in the championship game.
Mateo Levy scored the opening goal in the 4' to place the hosts in front. Amaury Morales developed the play through the right side of the box before providing the cross into the penalty area.
Diego Ochoa extended the lead in the 7' with a left-footed strike inside the penalty area.
Levy nearly doubled his tally in the 17’ but Yurdy Hodelin came up with the crucial save to keep the scoreline intact.
Aniel Casanova struck on target for Panama in the 36’ but was denied by Pablo Lara.
Levy struck towards goal in the 65’ but was denied by the right post.
Michael Camejo struck on goal in the 90’ but was denied by Lara.
Jonantán Villal took a hit from the right side of the box in the 90’ but was just wide of pulling one back for Panama.
Mexico’s victory places the nation back into the CMU20C final after last participating in the 2018 edition. Coincidentally, the 2024 final will be a rematch of the 2018 version, with the U.S. playing Mexico, with the latter hosting on this occasion.
