ARLINGTON, Tex. — The U.S.-Mexico men’s soccer rivalry is a spectacle, whether it’s a World Cup qualifier, a Gold Cup showdown, a random friendly or, in the case of Sunday’s tempest before 59,471 at AT&T Stadium, a Concacaf Nations League final.
When a trophy is at stake — and accompanying regional bragging rights — the clashes swell with ferocity and tension. The latest chapter uncoiled with the usual vim and vigor, and in moments that will enter series lore, Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna scored breathtaking goals as the United States roared to a 2-0 victory for its third consecutive tournament title.
“It feels great,” U.S. Coach Gregg Berhalter said. “That was our focus. In the beginning of camp, I showed the Michael Jordan slide when he’s holding up three fingers with the trophy. That’s what we want. And we photoshopped the Nations League trophy into the same picture of Michael Jordan. So that was what we’re focused on. It doesn’t happen too often.”
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Adams’s goal, a thunderbolt from 30 yards just before halftime, came in his second appearance since the 2022 World Cup — a pause necessitated by two hamstring operations. It also came seconds before he was set to leave the match because, as he continues rebuilding strength, his minutes in this event were limited.
Reyna, who is back in good graces with Berhalter after an unsavory rift at and after the World Cup, padded the lead in the 63rd minute with a leaping half-volley from 15 yards.
The Americans extended their unbeaten streak against Mexico to seven matches (5-0-2), including victories in the 2021 and 2024 Nations League finals and a 2023 semifinal.
The competition, which determined its final four through group play and quarterfinals last fall, was the start of an important two-year stretch for the U.S. and Mexican programs.
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This summer will bring Copa América and top teams from South America to U.S. venues. Next year is the biennial Concacaf Gold Cup, followed in 2026 by the World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The scene was colorful and loud. Mexico supporters outranked their counterparts by a substantial percentage. El Tri’s fans turn out for their team no matter where it plays in the United States but particularly in Texas and Southern California.
Mexico players were welcomed onto the field by cheers, the Americans mostly by boos.
Berhalter promoted three key substitutes from the 3-1 semifinal victory over Jamaica on Thursday into the starting lineup. Haji Wright, who scored twice in extra time, lined up at striker; Reyna, who assisted on both of Wright’s goals, filled the playmaking role. Adams also received a starting nod after logging 37 minutes as a sub Thursday. But after the long layoff, the U.S. staff came to an agreement with Adams’s Premier League club, Bournemouth, to play him sparingly.
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The back line also underwent change as Tim Ream replaced Miles Robinson in the middle and Sergiño Dest started on the right corner after missing the semifinal with a red-card suspension.
The Americans generated the first quality scoring opportunity when Reyna and left back Antonee Robinson combined to set up Christian Pulisic in the box in the fifth minute. Pulisic bore down on Guillermo Ochoa, but the 38-year-old goalkeeper slapped down the rising bid.
The match was heading toward a scoreless intermission when Adams’s blazing shot sent shock waves through this massive stadium. Unchallenged by Mexico after collecting a pass from Weston McKennie, Adams blasted the ball with incredible pace and pinpoint precision past the fully extended Ochoa.
The halftime whistle soon followed, and with it, Adams’s night ended. Johnny Cardoso took his place in defensive midfield.
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“To come out at halftime was obviously disappointing, especially after scoring a goal,” said Adams, whose only other U.S. goal also came against Mexico. “[But] I understand we have to be smart for the long term.”
Aside from Adams’s goal, Dest also put on a show with unpredictable runs and breathtaking footwork that left defenders lunging at air.
Reyna’s goal came after Mexico failed to clear the ball from danger. He stung the shot into the near left corner, setting off a corner celebration that included Berhalter. Amid a hail of water bottles, the Americans retreated to their bench.
Mexico received a penalty kick in the 72nd minute, but upon video review, referee Drew Fischer changed his call because Robinson had not made any contact with Santiago Giménez.
Fischer halted the match in the 89th minute after Mexico fans repeatedly used a homophobic slur — an issue that has plagued Mexican soccer for years. The stoppage came after several warnings made by the public address announcer.
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The chant continued, and after two more warnings, Fischer stopped the game again.
“It never gets old winning trophies,” said Reyna, who was named the tournament’s best player. “It’s good for momentum. We’ve been together with our core group for a while now, and we know what it takes to win big games and tournaments. Hopefully we can carry that to Copa América.”
Notes: The U.S. squad will not regroup until training camp before Copa América tuneups against Colombia on June 8 in Landover, Md., and Brazil on June 12 in Orlando. …
In the third-place match earlier Sunday, 20-year-old right back Dexter Lembikisa scored from 25 yards late in the first half as Jamaica rebounded from its semifinal collapse against the United States to defeat Panama, 1-0.
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