ALAJUELA, Costa Rica - After the USA outscored its opponents, 32-0, in three games in group play, who would have imagined?The USA won't be going to the 2010 Under-17 Women's World Cup after playing to a 0-0 tie with Canada and then falling on penalty kicks in the semifinals of the CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship in Alajuela, Costa Rica. It marks the first time the USA has failed to qualify for the finals of a FIFA women's championship.
Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D amp;rsquo;Angelo was outstanding, saving all seven U.S. shots on goal.
Canada also had its chances. Haillie Price got a swing at a bouncing ball inside the six-yard box that U.S. goalie Bryane Heaberlin deflected off the crossbar and then smothered.
Canada went on to win the shootout, 5-3. The decisive round was the third when Canadian Yazmin Ongtengco hit a poorly struck shot but the ball amazingly spun over but Heaberlin's body and rolled over the goal line. American Clarissa Wedemeyer then hit her shot over the crossbar for the only miss of the shootout.
Since CONCACAF member Trinidad & Tobago will host the U-17 Women’s World Cup in September, just two World Cup berths instead of the usual three were available at this tournament, both going to the winners of the semifinals.
