US Under 17s take CONCACAF title over Canada 3-0 in overtime

The US Under 17s had a tough road to the CONCACAF Under 17 final having to beat El Salvador in overtime in the quarterfinals and then knock off the hosts Jamaica before a hostile crowd in the semifinals.  Canada made them work just as hard in Sunday's final.  Canada were a cinderella story as they blasted their way into the championship in impressive fashion.

Canada made it difficult on the Americans in the opening half of play as both sides battled to gain the upper hand.  Both sides had good chances, but their finishing let them down.  Aleman had a great chance for Canada in the 13th minute only to lift his shot high while Andrew Oliver saw his chance cut out at the last second. The match went to halftime scoreless.

The second half saw the US Under 17s begin to take over as they got the majority of possession and created a number of shots.  Marc Pelosi and Andrew Oliver were giving the Canadians fits.  The US were unable to break through though despite an overwhelming shot advantage.  The match was headed to overtime.

The Americans had been overtime in the quarterfinals and the experience showed as they got right to work in the extra frame.  Less than two minutes into the overtime the US found their goal....and what a goal it was.  Nathan Smith picked up the ball on the left sideline and cut inside.  He unleashed a wicked shot from almost 40 yards out that zipped into the upper corner of the net clanging in off the post.  A true wonder goal and the Americans had their deserved lead.

The US Under 17s were streaming forward from there.  Andrew Oliver barely missed on a header and only a couple of minutes later the US made is 2-0.  This time Oliver found the target as he got loose on a breakaway following a quick freekick.  He rounded the keeper and calmly slotted home.

It was all USA as Canada were crumbling.  A bizarre incident in the 118th minute marred the win a bit as Andrew Oliver got in a tussle with Canada's Marco Lapenna.  Both were shown red and are looking at suspensions that will cost them at the upcoming World Cup.  Despite the reds, the US had another goal left in them.  Alfred Koroma capped off the title as Jack McBean slotted a perfect pass through the Canada defense.  Koroma ran onto it and poked it under the charging Canada goalkeeper. 

USA U17s 3 Canada U17s 0  A solid win for the Americans and now both teams will turn their attention to preparing for the upcoming FIFA Under 17 World Cup to be played in Mexico.