Message Boards

BIELEFELD, Germany - Sidney Leroux scored for a third straight game to lead the United States over South Korea and a late equalizer earned Mexico a 1-1 draw with Nigeria on Wednesday, sending both CONCACAF teams to the quarterfinals of the Under-20 Women's World Cup.

Leroux converted in the 21st minute for her fifth of the tournament, one behind tournament leader Alexandra Popp of Germany, and goalkeeper Bianca Henninger made two critical saves to lift the United States to a 1-0 victory.

It gave the United States seven points and finished it atop Group D, one point ahead of South Korea. It will face Nigeria in Sunday's quarterfinals.

In Bochum, Alina Garciamendez scored in the 77th-minute for Mexico, sending it through the final eight as the winner of Group C over Nigeria on goals scored. It's the first time in four appearances that Las Aztecas have advanced past the first round. It will play South Korea in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

South Korea had an equal amount of possession, but the Americans created far more chances, converting an early one on a drive out of midfield by Amber Brooks.

Brooks sent a ball behind the Korean defense and Leroux split the center backs. Her touch appeared to get away from her, but she chased the ball into the area, sliding to get it near the penalty spot just before charging goalkeeper Moon So-ri, and rolling it inside the left post.

Henninger pushed Kang Yumi's shot from 15 meters over the bar in the 37th and then thwarted Ji So-yun in the 62nd when she closed unmarked after a miscue by defender Crystal Dunn to preserve the victory.

The two-time and defending champion United States has never finished worse than fourth in the four previous Women's Unnder-20 World Cups.

Mexico had to rally after Ebere Orji gave Nigeria the lead in the 16th minute. Mexican keeper Cecilia Santiago pushed away Amarachi Okoronkwo's shot for a corner, but Orji converted on the ensuing set piece.

Garciamendez equalized when she controlled Natalia Garcia's header from a corner, chesting the ball down and volleying with a right foot from close range.