Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan and the United States men’s national team fell 1-0 to Mexico at Soldier Field in Chicago in the Concacaf Gold Cup Final on Sunday night.
Chelsea FC winger Cristian Pulisic burst into the box in the 5th minute, but goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came up with a clutch 1-v-1 save. Three minutes later, Jozy Altidore carved out a golden opportunity for himself, turning his defender inside-out before pulling his shot wide of the post.
Midway through the half, Morris set up a quality chance for Pulisic, but Mexico’s defense recovered in time to clear the danger. In the 31st minute, Paul Arriola did well to pounce on a poor back pass, but he was unable to steer his shot on target.
The United States paid for the inefficiency in the first half, as Mexico dominated the majority of the second period.
Morris nearly broke the deadlock for the USMNT in the 51st minute, rising well to meet a Pulisic corner, but his goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Andrés Guardado. The Mercer Island native then made way for Roldan in the 61st minute.
El Tri’s control paid off in the 73rd minute, as LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathon Dos Santos curled his shot into the top corner.
Roldan, who put in a solid shift on both sides of the ball, earned two corners as the United States searched for an equalizer, and he nearly pulled the team level with a thunderous volley that was cleared away by a diving header from a Mexican defender.
Morris and Roldan will now return to the Seattle Sounders ahead of the team’s home match against defending MLS Cup champion Atlanta United on Sunday (12:55 p.m. PT; ESPN, YouTube TV, JOEtv, El Rey 1360AM; TICKETS)
