Mexico crushes Jamaica to qualify to second round of CONCACAF U-17 Championship

Mexico once again gave a dominating performance in the CONCACAF U-17 Champions as they bounced back from the defeat to the United States to win 5-1 against Jamaica. Like in their first game of the tournament (6-0 against El Salvador), Mexico controlled the game from start to finish and were never threatened until it was too late. Jairo Torres and Adrian Lopez both scored two goals, while Adrian Vasquez scored the best goal of the night to round up the score. Jamaica never threatened from open play and their goal came from a free kick by Jeremy Verly. The result eliminates Jamaica and puts Mexico in Group B with Panama and Costa Rica.

The game started on a sour note by CONCACAF, as their Youtube stream didn't kickoff until the 13th minute. This, after the game had been moved two days ago from 1Pm ET to 8:30 PM ET, which, while it benefited both teams due to the heat, it also caused the game not to be shown on television.

Mexico was in total control from the start, although Jamaica looked solid defensively, while having no offensive play whatsoever. It still looked like it was only a matter of time for the breakthrough, and in a peculiar play, Jairo Torres opened the scoring when he came on after being off the field following a harsh tackle that might have deserved the red. As he was reentering the field, the Jamaican players didn't pick him up and he was wide open to slot the ball into the net.

A couple of minutes later, a great combination between Roberto de la Rosa and Daniel Lopez ended in the net, with a left footed shot by Lopez for the 2-0. Then Jairo Torres made another great individual play and the Jamaican keeper failed to clear it out, even when he got a hand to it, for the 3-0.

Like the game against the US, Mexico once again started the second half slow, but Jamaica didn't look to be taking advantage. Soon enough, it looked like they missed their chance and Mexico took complete control of the game. Adrian Vasquez then made a great run and cut through the Jamaican defense to score a left footed shot. This was the best goal of the tournament so far for Mexico and the best of the game.

Later, a great combination play found Daniel Lopez wide open for the fifth goal.

Jamaica didn't create a dangerous chance until after that. Against the run of play and off a dubious foul call, Jeremy Verly was able to score off a free kick to open Jamaica’s scoring.

Mexico, though, kept dominating and started to take their foot off the pedal. That said, the game still ended with Mexico closer to a sixth than Jamaica even threatening.

Mexico and the United States were clearly superior to the other teams in the group and also look to be the best teams in the tournament. While Mexico will be placed in the toughest of the two groups in the 2nd round, they look to be superior to hosts Panama and also Costa Rica. Still, it's a tough road, and if there is an age category that is know for it's inconsistency, it's U-17. However, if Mexico are able to keep their style of play under coach Arteaga, they should be favored in their next game against host Panama. The game will be on Wednesday, and Mexico will have two more whole days of rest. as Panama will have played on Monday against Costa Rica.