[CONCACAF UNDER-20 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP] The USA beat Mexico, 4-0, in the semifinals of the Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Championship to qualify for the Under-20Women’s World Cup to be held Aug. 19-Sept. 8 in Japan. First-half goals from Santa Clara’s Julie Johnston, Virginia’s MorganBrian, the 2011 Soccer America Women’s Freshman of the Year, with a 27-yard free kick and Colorado Rush phenom Lindsey Horan sealed the deal for theAmericans, who have won their four games in Panama by a margin of 22-0. North Carolina’s Kealia Ohai became the 11th different U.S. player to score in thetournament when she added the fourth goal on Katie Stengel‘s second assist of the match.
The USA has now qualified for all six Women’s World Cupsat this level — the first two in 2002 and 2004 being held as U-19 events.
“We’re very excited about qualifying for the World Cup,” said U.S. coach SteveSwanson. “It’s been a busy three months and for a lot of them who didn’t qualify for the last FIFA U-17 World Cup one, this is a big thrill. We’re excited and also anxious to go on to thefinal.”
Canada, which will face the USA in Sunday’s Concacaf final, also qualified with a 6-0 win over host Panama. Mexico and Panama will play in a third-place game to determine thethird and final U-20 Women’s World Cup berth from Concacaf.
March 9 in Panama City
USA 4 Mexico 0.Goals: Johnston 12, Brian 36, Horan 38, Ohai 81.
USA — Heaberlin, Dunn, Roccaro, Kallman, Pathman, Killion (Mewis, 46), Brian, Johnston(DiBernardo, 70), Ohai, Stengel, Horan (Hayes, 61).
Mexico — Santiago, Romero, Sierra, Kotero, Jimenez (Murillo, 46), Gomez-Junco (Solis, 73), Lopez,Pina, Ferral, Franco, Gutierrez