The tiebreaking goal was scored in the 77th minute.
HOUSTON — Edson Álvarez netted a decisive goal in the 77th minute after a video review overturned an offside decision, leading Mexico to a 2-1 victory over the United States on Sunday night, claiming its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title.
Chris Richards initially gave the U.S. an early advantage, scoring with a header from a Sebastian Berhalter free kick in the fourth minute for his second goal of the tournament. Raúl Jiménez equalized in the 27th minute, marking his third goal in this Gold Cup series.
The free kick was awarded to Mexico after Diego Luna fouled Alexis Vega near the sidelines. Johan Vásquez skillfully directed the restart into the goal area, where Álvarez surged past the defenders and redirected the ball from 3 yards out into Matt Freese’s far corner. Although initially ruled offside, the goal stood after VAR review, allowing Mexico to defend its 2023 title and bringing their record to 6-2 against the U.S. in Gold Cup finals.
Patrick Agyemang had a chance two minutes into stoppage time but he didn’t make good contact on his short-range shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
“We’re disappointed obviously to not come away with a win,” U.S. captain Tim Ream said.
A sellout crowd of 70,925 at NRG Stadium was about 70% pro-Mexico and booed U.S. players when they walked out for pregame warmups. Mexico dominated with 60% possession and had 12 corner kicks to none for the Americans.
This was the last competitive match for the U.S. and Mexico before co-hosting next year’s World Cup with Canada.
The U.S., which has seven Gold Cup titles but none since 2021, used a starting lineup with only a handful of players currently projected as World Cup starters, missing regulars due to vacation, injuries and the Club World Cup.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino used their absence to evaluate players who could push for starting jobs during the friendlies this fall and next spring, and Luna, Agyemang and Freese emerged as contenders for World Cup roster spots.
Richards out the U.S. in front when he headed Berhalter’s free kick from about 40 yards off the crossbar. The ball bounced straight down and just crossed the goal line.
Jiménez scored his 42nd international goal, third-most in Mexican history. He burst past the defense and one-timed the pass from Marcel Ruiz, beating Freese from about 10 yards on a shot that might have nicked Ream.
Jiménez celebrated by grabbing a Mexico No. 20 jersey with “DIOGO J” in honor of Diogo Jota, his former Wolverhampton teammate who died in a car crash Thursday in Spain. Jiménez ran to a corner, sat down with the jersey and mimicked playing a video game.
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