Michelle Cooper shines as US U20s win seventh Concacaf title

The U.S. Under-20 Women’s Youth National Team clinched their seventh Concacaf title on Saturday, defeating Mexico 2-0 in the tournament’s championship game.

Michelle Cooper opened up scoring early, dispossessing Mexico’s goalkeeper in the third minute to tap the ball into an open net, putting the U.S. up 1-0.

Saturday’s finish marked Cooper’s eighth goal of the tournament, earning her Golden Boot honors as the competition’s top goal scorer. The 19-year-old also won the Golden Ball award as Concacaf’s best player.

⚽ Goal! Michelle Cooper!

🇺🇸 @USYNT takes an early advantage! | #CWU20 #WeBelong pic.twitter.com/5iJVwYmHwa

— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) March 12, 2022

Talia DellaPeruta added to the team’s lead in the 41^st minute, converting a penalty kick from the spot to put her side up 2-0 before the half.

⚽ Goal @USYNT!

Talia Dellaperuta increases the lead from the spot! 2-0 for United States! | #CWU20 #WeBelong pic.twitter.com/rmQ4XhoITS

— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) March 12, 2022

The U.S. held onto their lead through the second half for a 2-0 victory to take home the Concacaf title.

Already securing their spot in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a semifinal victory, the U.S.’ final win was the icing on the cake.

“I am just so grateful, we all sacrificed so much to be here,” said Cooper following the match. “It’s been years in the making due to COVID-19, so I’m just really proud of all my teammates and we’re all just really excited to come out of here with gold.”