The United States Men’s National Team tried and tried until the end, but they came up just short of defending their Gold Cup title after losing 1-0 to Mexico at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday night.
The American men, who won the last edition of the tournament in 2017 with a 2-1 triumph over Jamaica, weren’t able to defend their title due to Mexico’s strong defense and goalkeeping.
The USMNT came out strong in the first half, creating several chances in the first 45 minutes of the match. Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa held his ground, though, preventing any of the Yankees’ chances from being converted.
The Americans went to the locker room at the half feeling unlucky not to be leading, but the momentum changed after the second half began.
Mexico began putting more and more pressure on the USMNT defense, creating several goal chances, keeping Zack Steffen busy.
After pushing hard for nearly 30 minutes, Mexico finally broke through when Wolves forward Raul Jimenez found LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos with a pretty backheel pass in the area. Dos Santos converted, giving Mexico a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
When the final whistle blew, El Tri claimed their 11th Gold Cup title since the competition’s inauguration in 1963.
The USMNT tried their best, but Mexico deservingly won the championship and staked their claim and CONCACAF’s strongest side.
