U.S. U-17s win first international cup

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Feb 11, 2009

The U.S. under-17 boys national team won its first international tournament of the '92 cycle when it beat Ecuador, 2-1, in the final of the La Serena Cup in northern Chile.

Leading the way for the Americans was Jack McInerney, who scored both goals in the final to give him three goals in four games. Earl Edwards started three games in goal, allowing just one goal, a penalty against Ecuador in the final.

Coach Wilmer Cabrera gave all 18 players on the trip at least one start.

The competition was in preparation for the 2009 CONCACAF Championship campaign, which opens against Cuba April 21 in Tijuana, Mexico. The event will mark the first time since 1996 that CONCACAF has held a championship event for under-17 boys at a single venue.

U.S. CONCACAF U-17 Championship Schedule
April 21 -- Cuba
April 23 -- Canada
April 25 -- Honduras
April 29 -- Semifinals
May 2 -- Third-Place Game/Final
(All games at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana.)