Mexico survives scare against Puerto Rico

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, May 9, 2019

Mexico, the two-time winner of the Under-17 World Cup and defending regional champion, trailed for most of the first half against Puerto Rico before rallying for a 2-1 in the round of 16 at the Concacaf Under-17 Men's Championship in Bradenton, Florida.

Puerto Rican Jose Luis Lopez's goal in the sixth minute was the first goal Mexico allowed in the tournament and El Tri trailed until the 42nd minute when Jesus Gomez scored on a free kick. Israel Luna won the game with a goal in the 68th minute.

The LA Galaxy's Efrain Alvarez started the game on the bench but was subbed in to start the second half. Mexico will face El Salvador in the quarterfinals.

The four quarterfinal winners will advance to the 2019 U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

Round of 16, Results:
May 8 in Bradenton, Fla.
Mexico 2 Puerto Rico 1. (Gomez 42, Luna 68; Lopez 7.)
El Salvador 2 Jamaica 1. (Vasquez 45, Flores 70; Wright 82.)
Haiti 2 Dominican Republic 0. (Own goal 28, Christophe 34.)
Honduras 4 Trinidad & Tobago 1. (Miranda 46, 76, 88, Aguilera 61; Sheppard 57.)
Round of 16, Schedule:
May 9 in Bradenton, Fla.
USA vs. Guadeloupe
Panama vs. Guatemala
Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua
Canada vs. Curacao