The U.S. men’s national team’s dreams of repeating as CONCACAF Nations League winners became a reality on Sunday night in Arlington, Texas.
Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna both started and scored in the USMNT’s 2-0 finals victory over rivals Mexico at AT&T Stadium. It marked the latest “Dos A Cero” triumph for Gregg Berhalter’s men over their biggest rivals, who next faces competitive action this summer at the 2024 Copa America.
It was almost a fast start for the USMNT after Reyna’s headed pass allowed Christian Pulisic to drive into the Mexico box. After finding room for a shot, Pulisic’s effort was punched away by Guillermo Ochoa in the fifth minute.
The USMNT fought to break the deadlock before halftime and Adams stepped up big time. Adams picked up possession outside of the Mexico box before unleashing a right-footed missile into the top-left corner for a 1-0 lead.
It marked Adams’ second USMNT goal and his first since a 2018 friendly win over Mexico in Nashville, Tennessee.
Gio Reyna doubled the USMNT’s lead in the 64th minute with a fine finish into the bottom-left corner. Mexico failed to clear its box after a cross from the left wing and Reyna’s follow-up volley rattled the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.
Mexico thought it had a way back into the match from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, but VAR overturned an original penalty-kick decision by referee Drew Fischer. Santiago Gimenez looked to have been hacked down by Antonee Robinson in the box, but the play was overturned and Gimenez was given a yellow card.
The USMNT shut things down defensively and held on to extend their current unbeaten run over El Tri to seven matches across all competitions. Fischer also brought two stoppages to the match due to discriminatory language being shouted in the stadium.
It marks the first trophy for the Americans since Gregg Berhalter’s return as head coach and a third overall under the former USMNT…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/03/usmnt-downs-mexico-to-seal-nations-league-three-peat
Author : Larry Henry Jr
Publish date : 2024-03-25 03:14:07
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