Berhalter: USMNT can 'create a legacy' in CNL final vs. Mexico - ESPN

ARLINGTON, Texas — U.S. men's national team manager Gregg Berhalter said his side has the chance to «create a legacy» when it takes on rival Mexico in Sunday's Concacaf Nations League final.

The U.S. has won the first two editions of the Nations League, and will be aiming for a three-peat on Sunday against their longtime rivals.

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But the USMNT was pushed to the limit in its semifinal against Jamaica, needing a stoppage-time own goal just to send the match into extra time, where it ultimately prevailed, 3-1. Mexico, meanwhile, cruised to a 3-0 win over Panama.

While Berhalter said he doesn't see Sunday's matchup as a pressure-filled occasion for his side, the reality is that expectations are high for both teams in this rivalry.

«I think Mexico played a great semifinal… and so the pressure may be on them to repeat that type of performance,» Berhalter said. «But for us, it's just about we see this as an opportunity for this group. We see this as an opportunity to create a legacy for this group of what we can achieve. And we love the Nation's League; love what it represents.»

The crowd is expected to be heavily in favor of Mexico at AT&T Stadium. That is often the case when these two teams get together, including the past two Nations League encounters in 2021 and 2023, both U.S. victories.

Given that recent history, Berhalter didn't seem all that worried about the prospect of playing in front of a hostile crowd.

«I think it speaks to the diversity that we have in the United States, and especially the culture around soccer where there's a number of fans from all different countries,» he said.

«And they come to celebrate the game of soccer and for us we know it's going