Sloppy USMNT to blame as U.S. loses another Gold Cup to Mexico - ESPN

HOUSTON — The U.S. men's national team stumbled to a 2-1 loss to Mexico on Sunday in 2025's Gold Cup final, cementing back-to-back titles for their southern rivals that earned victory thanks to a game-winner from Edson Álvarez.

Held at a sold-out NRG Stadium with a majority Mexico crowd, the championship match initially began with the USMNT hitting the ground running via a fourth-minute set-piece goal from Chris Richards off a cross from Sebastian Berhalter.

In response, Mexico increased its attacking pressure, eventually equalizing on a powerful shot from Raúl Jiménez in the 27th minute. Despite the continued attacking momentum from El Tri, the U.S. then nearly took back the lead with an Alex Freeman header that was saved by Mexico goalkeeper Ángel Malagón shortly before halftime.

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino, eager to turn back the tide after the midway break, then altered his approach to a two-man forward line with the introduction of Damion Downs in the 69th minute. Nonetheless, it was Mexico that stole the game winner from Alvarez in the 78th minute, securing a 10th Gold Cup trophy.

Following the loss for the USMNT, which used an alternate squad this summer that was missing key players, here are three talking points:

Time and time again in the heart of the pitch against a pressing Mexico side, the U.S. players found themselves either lofting inaccurate passes forward or being a step behind advancing defenders.

If there was a weak link in Pochettino's tactical setup on Sunday, it was exactly these moments that allowed Mexico to easily win back the ball and keep the Americans on their toes, leading to Jimenez's first-half equalizer and Alvarez's winner in the second half.

To be fair to Pochettino, with such an