📝 Mexico hold off United States to earn eighth Gold Cup title | OneFootball

Despite a strong first half by the United States Men’s National Team, a Jonathan dos Santos strike in the 73rd minute was all El tri needed to lift their eighth Gold Cup trophy.

The United States had a brilliant start to the game, with two great chances in the opening eight minutes but were unable to capitalize on either one.

In the seventh minute, it was Christian Pulisic, who dribbled into the penalty area after a great feed from Jozy Altidore, who tried to beat Ochoa in the near-post, but the Mexican keeper deflected the shot.

One minute later, it was Altidore with probably the best chance of the entire game as the Toronto FC striker won a one-on-one duel with Hector Moreno after a great change-of-direction move leaving the American wide open but the 29-year-old pulled his shot right of the goal.

The United States outplayed El Tri in the first 45 minutes, however, they were unable to capitalize on it and in failing to do so, got punished as the second half was a completely different story.

Mexico were much-improved in the last 45 minutes as El Tri enjoyed a series of strong chances on the United States defense that cumulated with a dos Santos goal in the 73rd minute.

With a fine move down the right led to Raul Jimenez back-heeling a pass into the path of Dos Santos, the Los Angeles Galaxy player was able to put an excellent left-footed effort that went in via the underside of the crossbar from just inside the area for the third international goal of his career.

The United States fought for the equalizer but were unsuccessful as Mexico flexed their defensive muscles in the second half and were able to keep the United States away from the goal after going up 1-0.

Mexico has now beaten the United States in five of their six meetings in the Gold Cup finals.

Player of the Game: Jonathan dos Santos (Mexico)

The 29-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder was the difference in tonight’s match as his goal propelled Mexico to their 8th Gold Cup title. Dos Santos played a great match, being able to find the open spaces and always being at the right place at right time for El Tri.