Soccer- Mexico Crushes U.S in Gold Cup’s final

                                                                                         

In the Gold Cup finals this past Sunday, the Americans were humiliated by Mexico after losing 5-0. The defeat was among the worst for the U.S team since it lost against England in 1985. The defeat also ended the U.S.’s 58-game winning streak at home against opponents from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. In addition, this is the first time in a decade that Mexico has beaten the U.S in American territory; the last time was at San Diego in 1999.

The U.S didn’t have its star, Landon Donovan, for the match; it was also missing Tim Howard and some other regular players, but Coach Bradley thought the team’s reserve was ready for this game. On the other side of the field, Mexico was missing some starters as well but its team reserve had a strong combination of skilled younger players and experienced veterans. During the first half, both teams entered anxiously, determined to obtain the trophy, but despite carefully chosen tactics and game plans neither team could open the score in the initial period.

Mexico entered the second half determined to change the course of the game. At minute 56, Carlos Vela played a pass into the penalty area to Geovani Dos Santos, who was fouled by defender Jay Heaps. Mexico was given a penalty, executed by Gerardo Torrado, who was able to open the score 1-0.

After the point, the U.S. team lost its focus; in their desperation to tie the game, the Americans began turning the ball often, giving away opportunities to Mexico. The Tri took advantage of the U.S.’s weakness, first scoring at minute 62 when Dos Santos made a point off of a pass from Vela, then scoring again just five minutes later when Vela made a point with an assist by Dos Santos, to put the score at 3-0.

Mexico’s score kept rising after goals by Jose Antonio Castro (at minute 79th) and then Guillermo Franco (at minute 90th) completed the surprising result, yielding up embarrassment for the Americans and a fifth Golden Cup title to the Mexicans. The goal blow-out was accomplished in 34 minutes, a feat particularly impressive for a Mexican team that had previously struggled in World Cup qualifier games.

At the end of the game, the U.S Coach Bob Bradley stated that despite the awful loss against Mexico, this match was a learning experience for his team. Even with his starter players, he knows the whole team needs to improve in adverse situations.

"The area where we didn't do well enough was our response to the first goal. The first half we played pretty well. When the second half starts, you obviously want to build on that. …But now, when we get down, it's about your ability to make sure that the game doesn't just become a free-for-all, where all of a sudden the other team has all sorts of space and opportunities. Today was their day,'' said Coach Bradley.

About the author:
Ally White is a top senior copy writer for the CONCACAF Gold Cup games as well as the sports betting industry.
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