Swine flu precautions ends U-17 soccer championships in Tijuana

Due to the growing concerns about the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico, CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer announced Monday that the remainder of the confederation’s Under-17 Championship in Tijuana has been canceled.

The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team clinched a berth in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup by advancing to the semifinals, eventually winning Group A with victories against Cuba, Canada and Honduras. The U.S. was set to face Costa Rica in the semifinals on Wednesday, April 29, but with the four CONCACAF berths already determined the remainder of the event will not be played to safeguard the health of players, officials and fans.

The U.S. team will leave Tijuana today and will return to Bradenton, Fla., where the players and staff will return to training and classes with the rest of the Under-17 Residency Program.