The United States Men’s National team defeated Mexico Men’s National Team 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The U.S. took down El Tri to the dreaded scoreline of “dos a cero” before hoisting their third Concacaf Nations League trophy. Goals from Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna helped the Americans edge their rivals in a contest that we all saw coming.
Just days ago, the U.S. played a horrific 90 minutes and was mere seconds away from losing to Jamaica. A controversially added minute was placed in stoppage time, and in that time, an own goal from Jamaica’s Cory Burke allowed the game to go into extra time. At that time, a man who wasn’t Greg Berhalter’s first or second choice rose to the occasion and slotted home two goals. The difference makers in that match were Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, and Haji Wright. Thankfully, the gaffer took notes and started all three players in the final against Mexico.
The first opportunity in a quiet first half for the U.S. came from Christian Pulisic. The Milan star found himself just a few feet away from glory his attempt was denied by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Opposite Pulisic, Sergiño Dest tried his luck from distance but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Mexico found their best chance of the first half in the 22nd minute after a headed ball reached the feet of Luis Chavez but his shot went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Just before halftime, U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams, whose been the subject of controversy for minutes played, stepped up for his country in the 45th minute. Weston McKennie had possession on the left flank but saw Adams in loads of open space in the midfield and sent it back. From about 35 yards out, the AFC Bournemouth star sent a rocket into the top left corner to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead to go into halftime.
As Mexico continued in frustration on offense, the U.S. continued to push the ball forward. Unfortunately for La Selección, their star man Julián Quiñones would not see the pitch as he wasn’t fully recovered from a knock he picked up in their last match. Without an impact player like Quiñones, El Tri was forced to rely upon the services of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Santiago Giménez, and Henry Martín. Unfortunately, none of the three were ever able to find the back of the net and were struggling to find a rhythm.
The final blow was dealt in the 63rd minute when an initial clearance from Mexico’s defense fell to Gio Reyna, who fired a shot near post past Guillermo Ochoa. Even when running to the far corner and getting pelted with debris, the Nottingham Forest star couldn’t stop smiling, as he was the difference maker in both the semis and the final.
“The last two games he did a great job,” said U.S. coach Greg Berhalter about Gio Reyna. “They made a great choice giving ‘Player of the Tournament’ or ‘Player of this Round’ to Gio because I think he had a great impact in these two games.”
With another piece of hardware to add to their collection, the boys have two matches left before their real test begins in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 tournament. A pair of friendlies against Colombia and Brazil will be their last chance to tweak their plans before facing off in a group that consists of Bolivia, Panama, and Uruguay. Mexico has three friendlies planned with Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay before they kickoff their Copa America journey.
-Jon Jones & Andre F.
Photo: Courtesy of Concacaf.com