Nolan Catholic's Alex Rios to Play in U-17 Women's World Cup

ALAJUELA, Costa Rica - Congrats to Alex Rios, Lady Vikings Junior Defender, has qualified for the 2010 Women's Under-17 World Cup. She is a member of the U-17 FIFA Women's National Team of Mexico and has 4 caps thus far in the tournament. Mexico defeated Costa Rica 3-1 in route to the championship against Canada on Saturday, March 20th. Watch LIVE on http://www.concacaf.com/. Rios' dreams come true, "I'm so excited to qualify for World Cup. Being part of this is something that I've been dreaming about since I started soccer. To be doing this at such a young age is my dream and I'm making it happen. It's the most amazing feeling in the world."

Christina Murillo scored from the kickoff that started the second extra time period and Mexico beat Costa Rica 3-1 Thursday night to reach final of the CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championship.

Murillo dribbled just beyond the midfield circle before launching a right-footed blast that arced over Costa Rican keeper Fabiola Murillo and just under the bar.

Tanya Samarzich added an insurance goal in the 110th minute to assure Mexico of facing Canada in Saturday's final. The two will join host Trinidad and Tobago at the World Cup in September.

Rios after the game, "That feeling at the end of the game was unforgettable. Being able to qualify after that kind of fight through our bracket then the semi-finals, it was just the best feeling in the world. It felt like the game was never going to end, but when it did I didn't want to get off that field. After the game ended and we were celebrating, I didn't want that feeling to go away once I left the field."

March 11 W Panama U17 0 - 6 Mexico U17
March 13 W Mexico U17 3 - 0 Jamaica U17
March 15 W Canada U17 0 - 1 Mexico U17
March 18 W Mexcio U17 3 - 1 Costa Rica U17
March 20 Championship vs Canada U17

Since CONCACAF member Trinidad & Tobago will host the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in September, just two World Cup berths instead of the usual three were available at this tournament, both going to the winners of the semifinals. This means the US doesn't qualify for the first time ever.

This is such a special moment for Rios as she looks forward to the championship against Canada on Saturday, "Going into the final of this tournament makes me so excited.I know that this is going to be one of the hardest games ever even though we've beaten Canada twice. They have always put up a good fight and I don't doubt that they will put up a good fight on Saturday."