Mexican National Team defeat the USMNT in route to their 8th Gold Cup

The Mexican National Team became the 2019 Gold Cup champions after defeating USA 1-0 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. Gerardo “Tata” Martino finished the tournament with an undefeated streak (6-0-0) and helped his team lift their 8th Gold Cup trophy.

In the biggest rivalry of CONCACAF, Mexico and USA gave a captivating game to end the Gold Cup with excitement and intensity. Playing their 6th Gold Cup final, USA wanted to upset El Tri with another loss at Soldier field. Mexico looked for redemption since their only loss in 2007 in Soldier Field against no other than the USMNT.

The Stars and Stripes gave Tata’s squad a scare after Christian Pulisic came close to scoring in the fifth minute but Guillermo Ochoa was able to block inside his goal area. USA came with another opportunity two minutes later as Jozy Altidore took on Hector Moreno and shot the ball to right side, barely missing as the ball rolled past the post.

USMNT controlled the field throughout the game with most possession of the ball and strong counterattacks, putting Mexico in a desperate situation as they kept losing the ball with no shots on goal.

Paul Arriola took advantage of the miscommunication between Mexican defense and Ochoa as he took took the ball away in the penalty area. Arriola was able to take a shot but unfortunately missed on an open goal in the 30th minute.

Jonathan Dos Santos took a the first and only shot on goal for his team with a vicious strike in the 41st minute, hitting the outside of the goal.

Rodolfo Pizarro suffered a strong drop to the ground as he landed on his elbow and called in for medical help, putting him at risk of being taken off the game. Pizarro was able to continue playing and join his team in the second half.

Jordan Morris almost opened the scoreboard in the 50th minute during a corner kick. Morris took a header inside the box but Andres Guardado cleared it out on the goal line. There were calls to the referee by the US side calling for a goal to be marked but the ball never crossed the line.

In the 72nd minute, Jonathan Dos Santos scored a fantastic goal after receiving a back heel pass by Raul Jimenez inside the goal area, where Dos Santos was able to capitalize with a quick left foot and put Mexico up 1-0. Dos Santos scored the game winning goal of the Gold Cup final, claiming the championship title for El Tri.