MIAMI, Florida – With the group stage now done and dusted, the knockout stage of the 2023 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship in Guatemala kicks off this weekend with the Round of 16.
Four matches are set for Saturday and then another four on Sunday in what should be an action-packed two days of football, adding on to what has already been an entertaining tournament.
Mexico vs Nicaragua
The Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City will play host to two matches on Saturday, beginning with reigning CMU17 champions Mexico taking on Nicaragua, who advanced directly to the Round of 16 from last fall’s CMU17 Qualifiers. It will be the first ever CMU17 meeting between the two nations.
Stephano Carrillo has paced Mexico with three goals thus far, while GK Norberto Bedolla has been a steady hand in goal with two clean sheets. Nicaragua will counter with a side that scored 11 goals in CMU17Q, spearheaded by Juban Uriarte and Oliver Bello who combined for seven goals.
Guatemala vs Jamaica
The second match on Saturday in Guatemala City pits host nation Guatemala against Jamaica in the fifth all-time CMU17 contest between the two sides. Jamaica won the previous four and have the goal scorers and playmakers to repeat that feat in Orane Watson (2 goals) and Jahmani Bell (2 assists).
But it will be a tough task going up against a Guatemala team that will have the full backing of the home crowd. Olger Escobar has three goals to his name thus far in the tournament, while GK Diego Bolanos has been very solid in net with 10 saves.
USA vs. Dominican Republic
2019 runners-up the United States open Saturday’s action at the Estadio Pensativo in Antigua when they face the Dominican Republic in their second ever CMU17 contest.
The U.S. roared through the group stage, scoring nine goals and conceding just one to collect three wins in three games. Cruz Medina with three goals and Keyrol Figueroa with two goals have been some of the standouts on this squad.
The Dominican Republic arrive to the tournament after having qualified directly for the Round of 16 from CMU17Q. Bladimil Jackson and Juan Peralta were the two big stars for the Caribbean nation in CMU17Q, scoring four goals each.
Canada vs. Haiti
Saturday’s nightcap in Antigua will find Canada taking on Haiti, with Canada out to make it three wins in three CMU17 matches against Les Grenadiers.
Kyler Vojvodic leads Canada in scoring with two goals in the tournament, but Haiti have weapons as well, including Victor Joseph, who had 17 scoring opportunities in the group stage, and will be supported by GK Tony Algarin (10 saves).
The bracket is set 🍿
— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 17, 2023
The #CU17C knockout round starts this Saturday! Who will become the Concacaf U17 Champions? pic.twitter.com/3guM3CPIhZ
Costa Rica vs. Puerto Rico
The action should be just as intense on Sunday in the two venues, with Costa Rica and Puerto Rico getting things started in the capital city in their first ever CMU17 meeting.
Roy Bustos and Sean Albriton have two goals each for the Ticos, while Claudio Montero has served up two assists. Puerto Rico are another side that reached the Round of 16 directly from CMU17, thanks in large part to Maxim Speed, who finished CMU17Q as the top scorer with six goals.
Panama vs. Cuba
Panama and Cuba will play in the day’s second game at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in which Panama will be seeking a first CMU17 win against Cuba in their third all-time meeting.
Both sides have players who have emerged as stars in Guatemala. Kevin Walder for Panama has three goals and is one of the leaders in shot effectiveness, scoring on 30 percent of his attempts. He just so happens to be tied in that category with Cuba’s Didier Reinoso, who has three goals as well. Another one to watch is Lizardo Hernandez of Cuba, who leads the tournament in fouls received with 15.
Honduras vs. Bermudas
At the Estadio Pensativo in Antigua on Sunday, Honduras and Bermuda will get things going for the first time in CMU17 play. Roberto Osorto has been excellent for the Catrachos with three assists, tops among all players, as Honduras won all three group stage games.
The same could be said for Edwin Munguia, who tallied three goals and led the group in shots (9) and completed passes (116).
Bermuda are the fourth and final team from CMU17Q to have qualified directly for the Round of 16 and can turn to players like Xahvi Deroza, Hayden Dill and Jannis Roberts for offense. All three players scored two goals in CMU17Q.
El Salvador vs Trinidad and Tobago
The Round of 16 will then conclude with El Salvador meeting Trinidad and Tobago in Antigua. If history is any indication, fans can expect a very tight affair. In their four previous CMU17 meetings, each side has a win, while there have been two draws.
Christopher Argueta has been superb for the Cuscatlecos with three goals, while Lindell Sween has been the dangerman for the Soca Warriors with a pair of scores.
