Laken Litman
College Football & Soccer Analyst
The US men’s national team faced a rough beginning this summer but had a chance to bring younger players into the spotlight and gain some momentum. Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, while they achieved a boost in team morale, the championship was not in their favor; Mexico reclaimed the Gold Cup title with a 2-1 victory over the US, marking their tenth win overall in the tournament.
After an early lead from a Chris Richards header off a free kick, Mexico quickly grabbed control, helped by a fervent crowd of over 70,000 at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Despite the initial encouragement from the US, Mexico responded well by equalizing in the 27th minute through Raul Jimenez, who scored following a corner kick.
Raul Jimenez’s goal equalizes for Mexico
In the second half, Edson Alvarez scored Mexico’s game-winning goal in the 77th minute with a well-placed header from a set piece, emphasizing Mexico’s dominance throughout the match.
The Impact of Set Pieces
Under Pochettino, the US team has placed particular importance on set pieces. This approach immediately paid off as Richards scored from a well-executed free kick, giving the US a brief lead.
Chris Richards scores early in the Gold Cup Final
The emphasis on set pieces has been a training focus for the team, using technology to optimize their performance. However, Mexico also utilized this tactic effectively, capitalizing on free kicks and corner opportunities throughout the match.
Edson Alvarez nets the game-winning goal vs. Gold Cup Final
No Moral Victories Here…
The US team faced a challenging summer, suffering two losses in friendlies just before the Gold Cup. The absence of key players like Christian Pulisic and others sparked uncertainty within the squad, but those chosen by Pochettino have shown potential to compete for future roster spots.
Analysis on Mexico’s victory over USMNT
After winning their group and showcasing resilience in earlier matches, the younger US team faced a tough opponent in Mexico, which ultimately exposed their inexperience and fatigue. This match served as a crucial lesson for the team, as they have much to consider before the upcoming World Cup.
Looking Ahead: Pulisic and Stars in September?
The US will face South Korea and Japan on September 6 and 9 in Harrison, NJ, and Columbus, OH, respectively. This upcoming camp will raise questions about player inclusions and the potential return of stars like Pulisic, Robinson, and others who missed the Gold Cup.
The camp will also provide clarity on which younger players have developed chemistry and could remain pivotal to the team’s success moving forward. As hosts of the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, the US won’t need to qualify, making this September’s matches vital for assessing strategies against varying styles.
Laken Litman covers college football, basketball, and soccer for Fox Sports. She has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and Indianapolis Star and authored “Strong Like A Woman” to celebrate Title IX’s 50th anniversary. Follow her on @lakenlitman.
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Fan Take: This match highlights the ongoing rivalry and competitive spirit between the US and Mexico in soccer, as both teams strive for dominance in the region. For fans, it means continued excitement as the US prepares for the World Cup, shaping the future of American soccer on the global stage.
