Despite early goal, US falters against Mexico 2-1 in Gold Cup Final

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HOUSTON – Mexico captured its region-leading 10th Gold Cup title after defeating old-time rival the United States 2-1 in the Final in front of a sell-out NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The U.S. took an early lead when centerback Chris Richards headed a Sebastian Berhalter cross off the post and across the goal line. The third minute goal could have silenced the pro-Mexico crowd but the El Tri never wavered, cheering louder and pressing the team for an equalizer.

Mexico’s equalizer would come in the 27th minute when Mexican forward Raul Jimenez received a pass in the box. The Fulham forward let the ball roll, and struck it with a left-footed shot past Matt Freese and into the back of the net for the equalizer.

Despite the early goal, the U.S. played conservatively and reverted to a 4-4-2 shape when defense. The shift in formation allowed Mexico to have the bulk of possession and find spaces behind the U.S. defense.

The U.S. had an argument to be made for a penalty call in the second half when Mexican defender Jorge Sanchez fell making a tackle inside his own 18-yard box, got on one knee, and put his hand on the ball as he tried to get up, stopping its movement.

“You say, ‘silly penalty,’ a silly penalty,” said U.S. Men’s National head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “It’s like plenty of penalties that are so silly. Silly penalty, yes. The player was with a knee on the floor. He pushed the hand over the ball. It’s not that the hand was on the floor and the ball touched.

Mexico completed the comeback in the second half taking the lead for good in the 77th minute.

A Mexico free kick to the box got headed towards goal by Johan Vásquez, with Edson Álvarez redirecting it to the back of the net. The offsides flag quickly went up, but the ref later confirmed the goal was VAR approved.

For Pochettino, the loss against their rivals was, “a massive lesson” for the U.S. A painful one at that saying that anytime a team loses a trophy, it’s a painful night.

Richards shared his coach’s sentiment.

“I threw my medal away,” said Richards. “There’s no point in having a silver medal. I think as a nation we strive for greatness, and I think as individuals we do too. Going forward, that’s what we’re going to do.”

After the loss, Pochettino wants his players to keep their head up and points to the fantastic tournament run his side had during the Gold Cup adding that the U.S. will be very competitive in the World Cup and make the game difficult for the opponent.

The loss stings, and with it being against their biggest rival, the sting aches.

“I know myself personally, it hurt,” said Richards. “But also it’s something that maybe needed to happen. You take it on the chin and you keep pushing forward. I promise you we won’t be losing anymore finals to Mexico.”