GUATEMALA CITY - Sydney Leroux scored her tournament-leading sixth goal with three minutes remaining to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Mexico on Saturday and its second CONCACAF Under-20 Women's Championship crown.

It was the United States' second victory in six days over its southern neighbor, finally subduing Mexico on a rapid attack out of the midfield.

Kristie Mewis sent a ball from the edge of the center circle down the left to Leroux. The UCLA forward outraced Bianca Sierra, took one touch and then beat Marylin Diaz before unleashing a left-footed strike from well outside the goal box that Mexican keeper Aurora Santiago was able to get her finger tips to but unable to stop.

"I was in absolute shock," said Leroux describing her reaction. "I was so excited I put my hands in the air and 'AAHHHH", I screamed. It was the same excitement as when I scored in the World Cup."

Leroux, the Golden Ball winner at the 2008 Under-20 Women's World Cup, was a threat throughout the match, including putting a header off the foot of the left post in the 37th minute. She was fouled frequently and struggled to beat the offside trap until the goal.

The Americans won all five of their games in the 11-day tournament, outscoring their opponents 15-2.

Despite its loss, Mexico was the first team other than the United States or Canada to reach the final of the CONCACAF Championship and suffered two losses, both to the United States. It lost 2-1 on Monday in the Group B finale.

Both will head to the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Germany along with third-place game winner Costa Rica, which qualified with its 1-0 victory over defending and two-time champion Canada earlier in the day.

The Americans had the possession and chances early, the best coming on Leroux's header off the post from Toni Pressley's free kick out of the midfield.

Charlyn Corral was again the focus of Mexico's attack, testing the U.S. defense as early as the eighth minute.

Just before halftime, U.S. coach Jill Ellis inserted Teresa Noyola for Casey Short, and the Americans were much more dominant in the second half.

Mexico's chances were largely limited to shots from distance, the best coming in the 53rd when Liliana Godoy's free kick from 40 meters had to be tipped over the bar by leaping U.S. keeper Bianca Henninger.

But the United States continued to push forward, sending in Zakiya Bywaters who hit the side netting in the 54th and Vicky DiMartino's shot high in the 64th.