USMNT’s Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico a microcosm of its summer

“The lessons of this summer were fully on display in the U.S. men’s national team’s 2-1 loss to Mexico on Sunday night in the Concacaf Gold Cup final. The U.S. gutted its way to the tournament’s championship game, slaloming through a path of opponents it was supposed to beat. Mexico was a real test. … The U.S. fought the best it could. It even took an early lead. But it was clear that the quality of Mexico would prevail — and it did. Mexico dominated long stretches of Sunday’s final. It created dangerous opportunities and forced the U.S. into uncomfortable moments. It held 60 percent possession, won the expected goals battle and dominated in shots (16-6) and shots on target (8-3). Mexico was the better side. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
YouTube: United States vs. Mexico Concacaf Gold Cup Highlights