Kinley McNicoll scored in the eighth minute and Canada survived a second-half red card to defeat Mexico 1-0 on Saturday and win the CONCACAF U17 women's soccer championship in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
It was the second major victory in three days for the Canadians, who qualified for the FIFA under-17 women's World Cup with Thursday's semifinal win over the U.S.
"We are ecstatic," said national coach Bryan Rosenfeld. "To come out as CONCACAF champions, winning a gold medal through all the adversity … we definitely took the hard road. It showed a lot of character from our Canadian girls."
Canada took a quick lead Saturday after McNicoll chipped the Mexican goalkeeper inside 10 minutes.
Canada was reduced to 10 players when Yazmin Ongtengco-Hintzen was sent off in the 56th minute after receiving a second yellow card.
Mexico maintained the majority of the possession in the final half-hour, but for the most part was limited to the outside of the Canadian penalty area.
Mexico's Claudia Fabiola Ibarra squandered a chance in the 85th minute when she pushed her shot wide.
Canada survived a second late scare when an 88th minute free kick hit the top of the cross bar.
The Americans trounced Costa Rica 6-0 in the third-place game.
Canada now prepares for FIFA under-17 women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago in September.
Mexico and host Trinidad and Tobago will also represent CONCACAF at the competition.
