MIAMI, Florida – A late game-winning goal from Guatemala’s Gabino Vasquez highlighted an exciting first day of Round of 16 action at the 2023 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship in Guatemala.

In addition to Guatemala, the United States, Mexico and Canada were all winners on the day and have advanced to the quarterfinal round, where they will attempt to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup.

Mexico 6 Nicaragua 0

The first match of the day at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City saw Mexico march to a decisive 6-0 victory over Nicaragua.

Just like he has done all tournament long for El Tricolor, Stephano Carrillo was on target with two goals and was joined on the scoresheet by four other players.

Fidel Barajas opened the scoring in the 19’ and was soon followed by Kevin Garcia in the 24’ and Gael Alvarez in the 30’ for a 3-0 halftime lead. Carrillo then swung into action with goals in the 60’ and 68’ before Jose Urias closed the goalscoring festivities in the 90+1’ for the 6-0 final.

Guatemala 2 Jamaica 1

The nightcap was the host nation taking on Jamaica and it was a good start for the Chapines as they took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break on a goal from Selvin Sagastume in the 32’. The Reggae Boyz answered with an equalizer in the 54’ courtesy of Ronaldo Barrett, leaving things knotted at 1-1.

As time ticked into the final quarter-hour, each side sought the win and it would come for Guatemala, as Vasquez took an attempted headed clearance and fired into net to earn Guatemala the dramatic 2-1 victory.

USA 7 Dominican Republic 0

The United States and Dominican Republic got the knockout stage going at the Estadio Pensativo in Antigua and it was a fruitful day for the U.S., who ran out 7-0 winners.

Christopher Aquino set the tone, scoring a pair of first half goals in the 22’ and 30’ for an early 2-0 lead. Next it was Keyrol Figueroa taking control, with back-to-back goals in the 45+2’ and 57’. Micah Burton then chipped in with a score in the 62’ before Ezekiel Soto notched the third brace of the day for the U.S., with goals in the 83’ and 90’ to round out the 7-0 scoreline.

Canada 3 Haiti 0

Canada capped off the day in Antigua with a strong 3-0 triumph over Haiti. Two goals in the first 20 minutes had the Canadians off and running, with Antoine Sedar N Diaye (4’) and Lucas Ozimec (16’) on target. Erik Pop tacked on a late goal in the 88’ to complete the 3-0 scoreline.