[CONCACAF UNDER-17 WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP] After the USA outscored its opponents, 32-0, in three games in group play, who would have imagined?

The USA  won't be going to the 2010 Under-17 Women's World Cup after playing to a 0-0 tie with Canada and then falling on penalty kicks in the semifinals of the CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship in Alajuela, Costa Rica. It marks the first time the USA has failed to qualify for the finals of a FIFA women's championship.

Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D amp;rsquo;Angelo was outstanding, saving all seven U.S. shots on goal.

Canada also had its chances. Haillie Price got a swing at a bouncing ball inside the six-yard box that U.S. goalie Bryane Heaberlin deflected off the crossbar and then smothered.

Canada went on to win the shootout, 5-3. The decisive round was the third when Canadian Yazmin Ongtengco hit a poorly struck shot  but the ball amazingly spun over but Heaberlin's body and rolled over the goal line. American Clarissa Wedemeyer then hit her shot over the crossbar for the only miss of the shootout.

Since CONCACAF member Trinidad & Tobago will host the U-17 Women’s World Cup in September, just two World Cup berths instead of the usual three were available at this tournament, both going to the winners of the semifinals.

In the other semifinal, Californian Christina Murillo broke a 1-1 tie in overtime when she scored from the kickoff and Mexico went on to beat Costa Rica 3-1.

Amazingly, Ally Courtnall, Murillo's teammate on Southern California's Eagles SC, will also be going to Trinidad & Tobago. Courtnall started for Canada against the USA.

March 18 in Alajuela, Costa Rica
USA 0 Canada 0 (Canada wins 5-3 in a shootout).
USA -- Heaberlin, Brannon, Dahlkemper, Hinkle, Torres (Roccaro, 87), Wedemeyer, Brian, Clark, Doll; Smith (Spivey, 111), Horan (Solaun, 84)
Canada -- D’Angelo, Price (Raymer, 53), Ongtengco, Clarke, Courtnall (Hemond, 87); Campbell, Sutterlund, McNicoll; Simpson, Ghoneim, Cantave (Beaulne, 53).
Referee: Shane DeSilva (Trinidad & Tobago).