Mexico surges past young USMNT to hoist the Gold Cup again

HOUSTON — The U.S. men’s national soccer team’s path to the Concacaf Gold Cup final Sunday night was paved with mostly minor obstacles that — given the roster’s innocence and Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s cultivations — fit its needs.

But on the last day of the last tournament before next year’s World Cup, the Americans confronted an opponent and an atmosphere unlike anything else during this three-week regional bash.

In the bedlam of sold-out NRG Stadium, the U.S. team met the escalated challenge until a 77th-minute goal by Mexico captain Edson Álvarez — initially ruled offside, then confirmed as good on video replay — propelled the defending champion to a 2-1 victory.

With a roster missing many regulars, the United States went ahead early on Chris Richards’s header and stood even at halftime with a Mexico squad at almost full strength. But second-half pressure took its toll, and on a free kick, Johan Vásquez headed the ball forward to Álvarez for a close-range header.

Mexico hoisted the trophy for a record 10th time, three more than the United States, and ended a six-game winless rut against its archrival in official competitions. The result ended an otherwise uplifting tournament for the United States, which is undergoing changes in personnel and philosophy under its new coach.

“The tournament was fantastic,” Pochettino said. “That is the way we want to build our journey into the World Cup. I have no doubt we are going to be really, really competitive and going to be very difficult for the opponent.”

At No. 17, Mexico was the highest-ranked Gold Cup opponent for the No. 16 United States; the others ranged from No. 54 to No. 106. Adding to the Americans’ challenge was a crowd of 70,925 that supported Mexico by well more than 2 to 1.

“I said to the boys in the locker room, ‘Giving ourselves the opportunity to play in the final was the most impressive part of this tournament,’” midfielder Tyler Adams said. “It was a learning experience for every single person in this team. For some guys, it was the first time playing against Mexico. So to come down here and play in front of a pro-Mexico crowd, the guys were resilient. We battled.”

Pochettino saluted Mexico for the victory but also complained about a missed call in the 67th minute, when Jorge Sánchez placed his hand on the ball in the penalty area. U.S. pleas for a penalty kick were ignored.

“It was embarrassing to see that situation — it’s a shame,” Pochettino said.

He also was irked by video replay overturning an offside call on Mexico’s go-ahead goal, implying that two previous disallowed goals by Mexico in the tournament influenced the decision. If such a decision went against Mexico, “there will be a fire in the stadium,” Pochettino said. “But for us, it’s like, ‘Okay, they are nice guys’” who will accept the reversal.

Mexico had recorded four consecutive shutouts, but that streak crashed to an end moments after kickoff. Just as they had done late in a group-stage victory over Saudi Arabia, Sebastian Berhalter and Richards combined on a set piece.

Among other attributes, Berhalter has shown an ability to drop a free kick into a dangerous spot. He did it again Sunday, this time from 40 yards. On the run, Richards met the ball 12 yards from the net and angled a header that struck the underside of the crossbar and dropped just over the goal line for his second goal of the tournament and third overall.

As the half transpired, U.S. opportunity evaporated. Forced to sit back, the Americans were left to chase the game.

Mexico’s patience in possession paid off in the 27th minute. Marcel Ruiz slipped a pass into the box for Raúl Jiménez in stride and with inside position on defender Tim Ream. With a 10-yard one-timer struck with pace and perfect placement, he beat keeper Matt Freese to the top near corner for his 42nd international goal — third on Mexico’s all-time list.

At the end of the celebration, Jiménez paid tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool standout who died in a car crash Thursday: He unfurled a Mexican jersey bearing Jota’s name and No. 20. Before the match, Jiménez had worn the jersey when the teams took the field.

(Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

The Americans gained traction late in the half but labored in the run of play. A late flurry in the box offered hope, but goalkeeper Luis Malagón blocked Alex Freeman’s header with his forehead, and Diego Luna fired over the crossbar.

Mexico’s pressure grew in the second half, though without many serious threats until the go-ahead goal. U.S. desperation led to hopeful forays but few major bids. After seven minutes of stoppage time, the title remained with Mexico.

“This is massive lesson for us. It’s priceless,” Pochettino said. “It was an amazing tournament to realize in the way that we wanted to grow. We are going to find the way to compete, to get better and better and better, be very competitive and be in the place that we want to be.”

Note: In their next games, the United States and Mexico will face common opponents. On Sept. 6, the U.S. team will face South Korea in Harrison, New Jersey, and Mexico will play Japan in Oakland, California. Three days later, it’s the United States vs. Japan in Columbus, Ohio, and Mexico vs. South Korea in Nashville.