US strike in OT to grab title

Extra-time goals take down Canada

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

Although it took extra-time play to decide the outcome after a goalless finish in regulation play, tournament favourites the United States crowned themselves 2011 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship winner when they defeated North American neighbours Canada 3-0, in Sunday night's final at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James.

With regulation time producing enterprising football but no goal, the Wilmer Cabrera-coached United States struck decisively in the extra-time period to snatch victory behind goals from Nathan Smith, the wily Andrew Oliver and substitute Alfred Koroma.

"It is a great feeling to be crowned champions at the end of a tournament, so this victory tonight gives us a very good feeling," said Cabrera, whose team went through the tournament with a 100 per cent win record. "I am delighted for the kids and we are now looking to do well in the World Cup this summer."

In easily the most enterprising, if not entertaining game of the tournament, Canada had much the better of the early exchanges. But solid defending by the American defence kept the Canadian attackers - who was ably led by the skilful Keven Aleman - off the scoresheet.

"In the extra-time play, the tired legs gave way and we gave up three goals and lost the game," said Sean Fleming, coach of the Canadian team. "It was nonetheless a very good tournament for us and we are very happy ... I see a lot to build on for the upcoming World Cup in Mexico."

Following an enterprising start, Canada should have taken the lead in the ninth minute when Jay Chapman capitalised on a defensive error. But with a clear shot on goal, he fired straight at goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh.

The United States countered in the 19th minute but blundered badly when Marc Pelosi cracked his shot wide, after breaking free before the goal and having time to pick his spot.

Took control

Midway the half, it became the Aleman show as he took control in midfield with his slick dribbling and precise passing. However, his assaults on goal were limited by the close attention he got from the United States backline. The half ended 0-0.

The second half was fast-paced and exciting with good end to end football, which regularly drew cheers from the crowd. The United States had much the better of the exchanges but missed good chances through Oliver, who twice fired wide after getting into good positions before the goal. Regulation time ended 0-0.

Down into extra-time play, the United States struck in the first minute. Smith fired a spectacular shot from distance, which struck the inside of the left upright and flew into the goal, making the score 1-0.

With time running out in the first extra-time period, the United States doubled their lead in the 99th minute. A dazzling dribble by Oliver left the Canadian defence in disarray and he rounded off the move by gliding around the goalkeeper and booting the ball into the goal to make the score 2-0.

The United States sealed the issue in the 117th minute, when Karoma ran on to a long range pass and drilled his shot past the advancing goalkeeper, making the final score 3-0.