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City's starlets have agonisingly missed out on making the semi-finals of the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup.

Despite finishing their group in second place behind CF Monterrey (Mexico) with six points from three matches, the Foxes were pipped to the best runners-up last four spot on goal difference by Mexican side Tigres.

Steve Beaglehole's troops went into the crunch game off the back of a last-gasp 2-1 defeat against CF Monterry and a narrow 1-0 victory over Andromeda SC thanks to a Scott Garner scrambled effort.

Needing to win by four clear goals against Brazilian side Sao Paulo to qualify, there was little to choose between the two sides in a lively first half at a magnificent Pizza Hut Park Stadium.

Academy Manager Jon Rudkin said: "The surface was outstanding which made for some slick passing football from both sides.

"We had a good chance just before the break but the Brazilians just managed to scramble the ball clear."

However, City took control after half-time with Ashley Chambers and Billy McKay soon on target.

McKay netted his third goal of the tournament with an outstanding finish but despite their best efforts, the Foxes could just not force that all-important fourth goal.

They were then hit by a sucker punch two minutes from time, when Sao Paulo reduced the deficit.

Nonetheless, Rudkin was delighted with the players' efforts over the past week.

He added: "It was a great effort by all the lads and we were very unlucky not to qualify for the semi-finals.

"The support we received was terrific and all the locals were wearing Leicester City shirts.

"It proved to be a great experience for the lads and they can take a great deal of credit from what they have achieved."

The semi-finals of the competition will take place on Friday with CF Monterrey taking on Tigres and Liverpool meeting Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

The final at Pizza Hut Park Stadium will be staged on Sunday.

CLICK HERE for Dallas Cup group table and gallery.