SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – For the third straight time, the United States and Mexico will meet in the Final of the Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship on Saturday in the CWU20 Final in the Dominican Republic.
Both sides have already secured passage to the 2022 FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Costa Rica later this year, but the chance to lift the trophy will certainly offer plenty of motivation.
In the 2018 edition in Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico emerged as champions after defeating the U.S., 4-2, in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
Two years later at the 2020 CWU20 in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. returned the favor with a commanding 4-1 win.
The Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo will once again be the site of this year’s Final and it is a venue where the U.S. have enjoyed excellent performances in the tournament.
In five matches in the Dominican Republic capital, the U.S. have posted five wins and have outscored opponents 41-0, including Thursday’s 7-0 win versus Puerto Rico that earned the U.S. a World Cup spot.
The U.S. also have a multitude of scoring options, namely Michelle Cooper and Andrea Kitahata who are the CWU20’s joint-top scorers with seven goals, plus Simeone Jackson and Avery Patterson, who have six goals each.
Mexico also feel right at home in the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez, having played all six of their previous matches there and earning an impressive 28-1 goal advantage against opponents.
Aylin Avilez, with six goals, and Maritza Maldonado, currently at five goals, are the ones to watch on a Mexico side seeking a second CWU20 crown, while the U.S. will be aiming for their seventh title.
