Canada has won the 2008 CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship in Puebla, Mexico. Canada won 1:0 over rivals the United States to take first place in the eight-team tournament. It is the second time in three tries that Canada has won the women's youth confederation championship.

"The team was so committed to the game plan," says coach Bob Birarda. "We are so very proud of our team right now." 

Canada previously finished first at the 2004 CONCACAF tournament in Canada (CAN 2:1 USA, a.e.t.) and second at the 2006 CONCACAF tournament in México (CAN 2:3 USA).

Canada won the final on the strength of a Karla Schacher goal late in the first half. Canadian goalkeeper Erin McNulty posted the clean sheet for the victory. Coach Bob Birarda recorded his sixth-straight win in charge of the Canadian women's U-20 team.

"They just couldn't get behind our back four," says Birarda. "They had several chances, including a couple inside the box." In the face of the American attack, though, Birarda says he "didn't feel like we were in trouble. We managed to keep them outside and in front of us."

At the 2008 CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship, Canada won 2:0 over Nicaragua, 3:1 over Jamaica, 4:0 over Costa Rica, 2:1 over Mexico and 1:0 over the United States. Canada also qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008 which runs 19 November to 7 December. Since the tournament's inception at Canada 2002, Canada has participated in every FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Behind Canada and the United States, Mexico finished third to clinch the last-remaining CONCACAF position for this year's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008. After a 2:2 draw a.e.t. against Costa Rica in the match for third place, hosts Mexico clinch third place by winning the penalty shootout.

Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners, has an all-time record of 41 wins, 5 draws and 19 losses in international competition. Canada has won a silver medal at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2002, gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship, and finished second at the 2006 CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship.