Sporting KC Homegrown defender Erik Palmer-Brown scored the lone goal in the United States U-20 National Team's 1-0 victory over rivals Mexico on Monday in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Palmer-Brown, who captained the U-20s, completed 76 percent of passes and had five interceptions.
The match was a physical and cagey affair in the first half with both sides having their opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Brooks Lennon sent a corner kick into the box which Palmer-Brown headed towards goal. The header crossed the goal line as Mexican defender Diego Cortes failed to clear the ball.
The United States held onto the lead for the remaining 71 minutes to earn the three points. Overall, Mexico led in possession with 56 percent but were outshot eight to three.
The U.S. concludes the classification stage (two groups of three teams) where they'll face El Salvador on Friday at 5:30 p.m CT on Facebook Live. The top two teams from both groups will qualify for the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, while the top team in each group will advance to the CONCACAF Championship Final on Sunday.
