The United States took a major step toward qualifying for this summer's Under-20 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Mexico at the CONCACAF Championship on Monday.
Sporting Kansas City's Erik Palmer-Brown opened the scoring in the 29th minute, heading home following a corner from Brooks Lennon. Mexico defender Diego Cortes got a foot to the ball on the line but could not keep it out.
Mexico rarely tested the U.S. defense and goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, whose father -- former U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann -- watched from the stands in Costa Rica.
The U.S. had two clear chances on counter-attacks to double the lead late on, but Mexico keeper Jose Hernandez did well to cut out the chances.