USMNT beats Mexico to lift their third CONCACAF Nations League championship
USMNT conquers Mexico 2-0 in the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League Final, lifting the trophy for the third time.
Photo:CONCACAF
Gasner Delvarin Jr
March 25, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) secured a 2-0 victory against Mexico (El Trio) in the final of the 2024 Concacaf Nations League (CNL) in Arlington, Texas, solidifying their third CNL crown.
After nearly being knocked out in the semifinals against Jamaica in regulation, the USMNT gifted an own goal to send them into overtime and won 3-1 to advance to the final.
This victory against Mexico extended their winning streak to a record seven.
"We wanted to maintain calm and play our football," said the U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter. "Credit to the guys because I think the intensity stayed at a really high level for the whole game."
Just before halftime, the U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams unleashed a 29-yard powershot to open the score, marking his second international goal, both of which were against Mexico.
In the 63rd minute, Gio Reyna capitalized from a poor defensive clearance from Mexico with a shot, beating the goalkeeper Memo Ochoa of El Trio, putting the USMNT up 2-0.
That goal helped put Reyna in position as he won the Player of the Tournament award.
With the CONCACAF Nations League success, attention now shifts to the Copa America.
The USMNT aims to make a statement against great opponents in Group C, which contains Bolívia, Panama, and Uruguay.
Berhalter expressed confidence in the team's focus and saw the tournament as a significant opportunity for growth to assess their standing among the world's top teams.
"I think the Copa America, we're going to see the guys focus," said Berhalter. "We realize what a big opportunity this is for us."
The USMNT's next friendly is against Columbia on June 8 at the FedExField Stadium before taking on Brazil on June 12 at the Camping World Stadium.
Gasner Delvarin Jr. is a writer for Sports Action Rundown. For more information regarding this or other stories, email gasner@sportsactionrundown.com
Concacaf Nations League, Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, Gregg Berhalter, Gasner Delvarin Jr., Sports Action Rundown