Álvarez Goal Seals Mexico’s Tenth Gold Cup 2-1 Over US/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Edson Álvarez’s late goal secured Mexico a 2-1 win over the United States in the Gold Cup final. Raúl Jiménez and Chris Richards also scored in a tense match. The victory gives Mexico a record tenth Gold Cup title.
Quick Look:
- Mexico wins 10th Gold Cup title
- Álvarez scores decisive goal after VAR review
- Jiménez dedicates goal to late teammate Diogo Jota
Álvarez Goal Seals Mexico’s Tenth Gold Cup 2-1 Over US
Deep Look
HOUSTON (AP) — Edson Álvarez delivered the decisive blow in the 77th minute, lifting Mexico to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the United States and securing El Tri’s record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title Sunday night at NRG Stadium.
Álvarez found the net after a dramatic video review overturned an offside flag on his close-range finish. The sequence began when Mexico earned a free kick after Diego Luna fouled Alexis Vega. Johan Vásquez flicked the ball across the goalmouth, and Álvarez surged through the American defense, redirecting the pass just inside goalkeeper Matt Freese’s far post from three yards out.
Initially ruled offside, the goal was confirmed by VAR, sealing Mexico’s back-to-back Gold Cup titles and improving their record to 6-2 against the U.S. in tournament finals.
“It’s disappointing obviously not to come away with a win,” said U.S. captain Tim Ream.
Chris Richards had given the Americans a dream start, scoring in the fourth minute with a powerful header off a Sebastian Berhalter free kick — his second goal of the tournament. But Mexico equalized in the 27th minute when Raúl Jiménez, netting his third goal of this Gold Cup, latched onto a pass from Marcel Ruiz and fired a low shot past Freese from about 10 yards.
Jiménez then paid tribute to his late friend and former Wolverhampton teammate, Diogo Jota, who died Thursday in a car crash in Spain. He held up a Mexico jersey bearing “DIOGO J” and pretended to play a video game while sitting by the corner flag.
Mexico commanded the match with 60% possession and forced 12 corner kicks to none for the U.S. The sellout crowd of 70,925, overwhelmingly pro-Mexico, erupted when the final whistle sounded, cementing Mexico’s triumph in the last competitive fixture for both teams before they co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada.
The Americans, who last won the Gold Cup in 2021, fielded a squad missing several regular starters due to vacations, injuries, and Club World Cup commitments. Coach Mauricio Pochettino used the tournament as a testing ground for new talent. Luna, Agyemang, and Freese all staked claims for future roles, especially with a busy slate of friendlies on the horizon.
Patrick Agyemang nearly rescued a late equalizer for the U.S. in stoppage time, but his close-range effort was blocked by Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
Despite the loss, the U.S. will draw positives from identifying emerging talents, while Mexico heads into World Cup preparations buoyed by another Gold Cup crown.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.