Entering the Gold Cup final on Sunday, the atmosphere surrounding the U.S. men’s national team was more upbeat than it had been for at least a year. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino and a largely fresh squad seemed to benefit from a month of rigorous preparation, showcasing promising talent throughout eight games.
However, the optimism took a hit when the USMNT fell 2-1 to Mexico, a setback that doubled as a wake-up call. Standout performances from players like Malik Tillman and Diego Luna demonstrated their growth, while Chris Richards emerged as a key contributor in a strong season for both club and country. Additionally, Sebastian Berhalter and Matt Freese pushed their cases for next year’s World Cup roster after strong showings.
The USMNT initially took the lead with a goal from Richards just four minutes into the match. It mirrored their earlier success against Saudi Arabia in the group stages, which had invigorated their confidence.
CHRIS RICHARDS PUTS THE @USMNT ON TOP JUST FOUR MINUTES INTO THE MATCH ⚡️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OyTHiBpg1k — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 6, 2025
Nevertheless, Mexico’s team quickly regained control, dominating offensive efforts and outpacing the U.S. in key statistics with 16 shots compared to the U.S.’s six and an expected goals tally of 1.26 against 0.64. Pochettino’s squad, usually known for its attacking style, seemed overly cautious and lacking the responsiveness needed during critical moments.
The match served to highlight ongoing defensive vulnerabilities that had almost derailed their journey to the final. Despite those shortcomings, the earlier victories had created hope and belief among the players and coaches.
The defeat against Mexico also underlines the journey ahead. Pochettino’s strategy may have worked in broadening the player pool, but the path to excellence is still lengthy. Moving forward, the insights gained from this match and previous performances will be crucial as they gear up for the next World Cup, with friendlies against South Korea and Japan serving as an important benchmark.
