USMNT’s Nations League win over Mexico was expected – that’s what made it important
New York TimesThat the opening goal of the CONCACAF Nations League final happened the way it did — a blistering shot uncorked 30 yards out — felt fitting for the environment around this U.S. men’s national team this week. The U.S. was coming off of a less-than-decisive 3-1 win over Jamaica in the semifinal on Thursday that required a last-gasp own goal to take it to extra time — a performance significantly below expectations for a U.S. team that’s believed to be capable of more than any that came before, and with a U.S.-hosted Copa America just months away. Nothing but a win on Sunday would have been enough, and Tyler Adams’ goal late in the first half broke the pressure of expectation in the U.S.’s 2-0 win. The U.S. was able to limit Mexico’s chances throughout the final But while Sunday’s win was a requirement, it will bring little relief ahead of the Copa America. Last year’s dominant 3-0 semifinal win over Mexico only reinforced the U.S.’s position atop CONCACAF but, more importantly, it showed off the growth of Reyna playing in a central role.
History of this topic
U.S. defeats Mexico for its third consecutive Nations League title
LA Times
USMNT 2, Mexico 0: Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna score in Nations League final halted by homophobic chant
New York Times
US, Mexico head to World Cup after final qualifying games
Al Jazeera
USMNT keeps World Cup hopes alive with shutout win over Honduras
LA TimesDiscover Related
