INGLEWOOD, California — Mexico’s pursuit of a record-extending tenth CONCACAF Gold Cup title started with a slender escape on Saturday evening, because the reigning champions fended off a spirited Dominican Republic facet in a pulsating 3-2 encounter at SoFi Stadium.
El Tri appeared poised for a routine victory after taking a 2-0 lead early within the second half, however a historic purpose from the underdogs and a deflected strike compelled the Mexicans to dig deep to safe all three factors of their Group A opener.
Alvarez and Jimenez ignite early confidence
With a sea of inexperienced shirts dominating the gang of 54,309 in Inglewood, Mexico struck simply earlier than halftime. Midfield anchor Edson Álvarez rose excessive on the close to submit to thunder dwelling a header from a nook within the forty fourth minute, giving Mexico a deserved lead.
Momentum carried by means of the break as Raúl Jiménez, the veteran ahead, doubled the lead a mere 30 seconds into the second half. Latching onto a exact by means of ball from Santiago Giménez, Jiménez delivered a composed end to place Mexico 2-0 forward.
Gonzalez makes historical past, sparks Dominican fightback
Simply because the match appeared headed for a routine consequence, the Dominican Republic made their mark with a second of magic. Within the 51st minute, Peter González etched his title into Gold Cup historical past, delivering a surprising solo effort — the nation’s first-ever purpose within the event.
González’s strike breathed life into the underdogs and shocked a Mexico facet briefly rattled by the sudden response.
Montes responds, Azcona provides late drama
The response from Mexico, nevertheless, was swift. Barely two minutes after conceding, César Montes stepped ahead to revive the two-goal cushion with a assured end, making it 3-1 within the 53rd minute.
However the drama was removed from over.
Within the 67th minute, Dominican ahead Edison Azcona unleashed a speculative shot that took a depraved deflection and wrong-footed the Mexican goalkeeper, narrowing the hole to 3-2. The purpose injected stress into the ultimate phases of the match, as Mexico clung to their lead beneath rising stress.
A nervy win to launch the title protection
Regardless of late jitters, Mexico held agency to seal the victory and begin their title protection with a hard-earned win.
Already probably the most adorned staff in Gold Cup historical past with 9 titles, El Tri now set their sights on a tenth championship — however Saturday’s opener served as a sobering reminder that no sport on this event may be taken with no consideration.
