FC Dallas youth team player Nicolas Carrera has decided to represent the United States over Mexico, having been involved in camps for both in the lead up to the Under-17 World Cup, which starts in October in Brazil.

The versatile Mexico-born 17-year-old can play in defense or midfield and made his professional debut in USL League One for North Texas SC back in June, shortly before he was called into Mexico's Under-17 squad for the Niigata Tournament in Japan.

Carrera was part of the Mexico squad...

Israel Luna scored the tie-breaking goal in the 108th minute, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 in extra time Thursday night to win its fourth straight CONCACAF Under-17 Championship.

Mexico has won eight CONCACAF Under-17 titles and the U.S. three, in 1983, 1992 and 2011. Costa Rica and Cuba have won one each.

The U.S., Mexico, Canada and Haiti qualified for the Under-17 World Cup by winning their quarterfinals. The tournament will be played in Brazil from Oct. 5-27.

Griffin Yow put the United...

LA Galaxy prospect Efrain Alvarez says he could still decide to play for the United States despite his switch to Mexico's youth system.

Alvarez, who only turned 16 last month, was called up to Mexico's under-17 team this summer, but he told MLSsoccer.com that his senior international future is still to be determined.

"I'm not closing the door on anyone," he said ahead of Tuesday's MLS Homegrown Game. "I could still play for the U.S. or I could keep playing for Mexico. But I'm with Mexico...

After nine days and an impressive ratio of 3.5 goals per match, the group stages of the U17 World Cup are over and it's time to get serious with some knockout football. From here, matches tied at full time will go straight to penalties.

The tournament hasn't been set ablaze so far and perhaps this is the time for real heroes. This is how the matchups look like. 

October 18

Match 7: Ghana vs. Niger - 5pm, Mumbai

Ghana showed India how ruthless they can be. Fast and direct in attack, compact...