It's a second consecutive Gold Cup title for Mexico after Edson Alvarez's winner pushed them past the United States men's national team on Sunday in Houston with a 2-1 victory. Chris Richards scored the opening goal only four minutes into the match, following an excellent delivery from Sebastian Berhalter, but the USMNT weren't able to find anything from open play after that. Mexico responded with Raul Jimenez equalizing in the first half before Alvarez ended up getting the winner. Mexico became the first team to become back-to-back Gold Cup champions since they did it in 2011, while the same questions remain for Mauricio Pochettino's squad.
While the USMNT were able to get past sides like Guatemala and Costa Rica, more is needed to topple Mexico and the USMNT were ineffective going forward and struggled to defend on the night. Of course, things may have been different if regulars like Christian Pulisic were at the tournament. With less than a year to go until the World Cup, improvement will be needed quickly. Even bright spots like Diego Luna couldn't find the game facing Mexico as the USMNT are still trying to figure out what their ceiling is.
As this camp comes to a close, there are positives for Pochettino to take away as Matt Freese and Diego Luna have pushed themselves closer to the World Cup squad, while Chris Richards and Malik Tillman increased their standing. Even intriguing things like Berhalter's grit and set play delivery have shined. I mean, what an excellent delivery to Richards for the opener.
It stings to lose to Mexico in a final, but these are losses that can sit with members of the team and help push them to be better. USMNT players looked dejected following the game, and that feeling will hopefully bring growth. This may be their last competitive match ahead of the World Cup, but plenty of tough tests are on the horizon. Not only will players get moves to new clubs, but there will be friendlies facing South Korea and Japan as well. Both of those teams have already qualified for the World Cup and will provide the USMNT with proper challenges, but they'll need to take those kinds of matches seriously and win to show that they can hang with true World Cup squads because that's the biggest question looming over Pochettino and the team.
El Tri has now won three consecutive Concacaf titles after outplaying the USMNT for 86 minutes following Chris Richards' opening goal. It was a hard-fought game, and the USMNT did what they could to hang with Mexico's top team but in the end, El Tri had more in their locker to win it all.
It seemed like Freeman would have a chance on net but it was cleaned up by the Mexican defense. The USMNT is showing fight late but it hasn't been enough.
There's time for the USMNT to get an equalizer, but when they haven't put a shot on target in the second half of play, they'll need more as soon as possible.
It took a VAR check but Edson Alvarez scores following a great set play and now the USMNT needs to throw everything they have into this match.
Damion Downs is in and it's Luca De La Torre who will exit, giving the USMNT a very different look for the close of this match. It's unknown what the shape is supposed to be now as that sub has scrambled things.
This has still been all Mexico in the second half. Diego Luna and Sebastian Berhalter aren't getting involved in the buildup, while Tyler Adams has also struggled; it's a rough showing out there.
Tillman is drawn into a foul by reacting to fouls from Mexico, but these kinds of challenges are things that they'll need to manage to win a match like this one.
They've already taken two shots in the second half and one forced Chris Richards into a timely block. Diego Luna and Malik Tillman have swapped positions but it won't matter if Mexico keeps holding the ball.
No changes for the USMNT as Pochettino will be able to see if his team can adjust after being under pressure for the entire first half of play.
Diego Luna had a chance that he shot into the stands but it's a major confidence boost for the USMNT. Mexico had the better chances in the first half but where it matters, things are level.
Another chance will be coming for the USMNT from a set play. They have taken advantage of these opportunities, but it will also give the team a chance to catch their breath.
After the USMNT's opening goal, Mexico has had all the possession, taking six shots, putting five on target,t and scoring an equalizer. The USMNT may be withstanding their pressure but it's only a matter of time until more goals find the back of the net. With this being a final, the players on the pitch need to adjust and find a way out of this.
There's the equalizer as El Tri has hit back. The USMNT defense couldn't keep up with Mexico and clear the ball and it led to a goal for Raul Jimenez that was far too easy of a finish. Jimenez pulls out a Diogo Jota jersey in honor of his former teammate after scoring.
After the USMNT's quick goal, Mexico's looking to hit back as this becomes a defensive battle. It's a great test for what has been a shaky USMNT defense in a loud stadium in Houston.
What a start for the USMNT as Chris Richards has found the back of the net, Sebastian Berhalter has found Chris Richards and he has found the back of the net. This is quite a way to kick off the match.
A trophy will be won on Sunday night.
After wrestling with if he should represent the USMNT or Mexico, Luna will find the back of the net against El Tri but it won't be enough for the USMNT to pick up a victory. This Mexico team is well drilled and in good form, so even going behind, they'll claw back to secure victory and their third consecutive Concacaf title. Pick: USMNT 1, Mexico 2
With Pochettino transitioning from club management to international management, one of the biggest differences is the change in training time that he gets with players. Camps are short and he has to develop tactics that can be picked up on the fly by the players. But this is the longest competitive camp that Pochettino has overseen, not only giving him a chance to see what the players can do but also giving them time to get used to his style.
There has been growth in midfield and attack during the camp so far but it still needs to be shown in defense ahead of facing a tough Mexico squad. This is where Pochettino's tactics come into play to guide the USMNT past this challenge. They may not be on the same level player for player, but giving their all for the badge, an upset is possible.
Diego Luna, USMNT: Luna doing the aura farming celebration after scoring the USMNT's second goal against Guatemala says all that you need to know about how this camp has gone for him. With three goals and two assists in five matches played so far during this tournament, Luna is doing everything he can to earn Pochettino's trust and his way into the World Cup squad. Giving everything that he has for the badge, if the USMNT are going to topple Mexico, Luna will play a big role in that happening.
These two teams first met in 1934 and have now met a total of 78 times with Mexico winning 37, the USMNT winning 24, and the other 17 ending in draws. This will be the 11th meeting in a cup final with things going in waves of dominance between the two nations. Mexico have won six of those finals, with the USMNT winning four. This is a chance for the USMNT to stop Mexico from winning a third straight Concacaf championship and looking to reestablish their success from 2021-2024, during which the USMNT won three consecutive Cup finals over El Tri.
Mexico XI: Luis Malagon, Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vazquez, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Marcel Ruiz, Edson Alvarez, Gilberto Mora, Alexis Vega, Raul Jimenez, Roberto Alvarado
Keep winning, and the lineup stays the same
USMNT XI: Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Tyler Adams, Luca De La Torre, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Patrick Agyemang
It's almost time for the Gold Cup final between the USMNT and Mexico. It has been quite a ride during the tournament so far for Mauricio Pochettino's men, but they'll be tested facing Mexico with everything on the line. If they can come out against a full-strength El Tri, it could set up a positive road to the 2026 World Cup.
