NEWS

The Japan Under-17 side finished second in the Copa Chivas friendly tournament in Mexico after a 2-1 loss to the Mexico Under-18 side in the final on Saturday.

Japan, who reached the final after beating Morelia of Mexico 3-2 on January 29, went ahead when forward Yuya Kubo scored from a free-kick in the 29th minute.
The hosts leveled the scores six minutes later on a free-kick and the first half ended 1-1.
But right after the break, the young Mexicans scored from another free-kick and that goal proved to be the winner.
Japan, the only under-17 side in the competition, drew 1-1 with Monterrey of Mexico on January 22, beat Houston Dynamo of the United States 4-1 on January 23, lost 2-1 to Morelia of Mexico on January 24, overcame Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico 1-0 on January 26 and downed America of Mexico 2-1 on January 27.
The young Japanese boys edged Saprissa of Costa Rica 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals on January 28.