The America The men's national soccer team continued its dominance of the CONCACAF Nations League — and its regional rivals Mexico — with a 2-0 win and third straight title Sunday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Tyler Adams Thundered in the first half, and Giovanni Reyna A hard volley added a second goal after the break, giving the famous “U.S.From two to zero“The scoreline and the extent of the recovery after a disappointing win Jamaica Thursday in the Nations League semi-finals.
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“I don't score goals like this all the time but I'm happy to score one today,” said Adams, who was substituted at half-time as a precaution.
Adams, who returned from injury to play with his club side Bournemouth, added: “I always get up for big games.”
The result saw Greg Berhalder's side retain their Nations League crown, having won the first two editions of the tournament in 2021 and 2023, and extended their unbeaten run against Mexico to a record seven games.
Adams, making his first start for the United States in 475 days, turned the game around late in the first half. Guillermo Ochoa and give the Americans a narrow lead at halftime.
“People have a lot of question marks about this, about that,” Adams said. “But when we get a chance to work together and see what we do week-in, week-out, we continue to grow.”
As Mexico struggled to get back into the game, Reyna picked up a poor clearance in the penalty area and fired a volley past his nearest Ochoa to double the American lead.
Referee Drew Fischer stopped play shortly before full-time after the American goalkeeper repeatedly heard anti-gay chants from the crowd. Matt Turner He took his goal kicks.
Last year's Nations League semi-final between the United States and Mexico in Las Vegas ended four minutes early because of Mexican fans' chants, which have for years taunted the opposing teams' goalkeepers.
Adams, who has been troubled by a right hamstring injury that has required two surgeries, did not play for the United States at the 2022 World Cup before entering in the 63rd minute on Thursday and then exiting in the 100th minute due to minutes restriction.
Between March 11, 2023 and this March 13, he was limited to one 21-minute club appearance when he returned from injury for Bournemouth with 20 minutes added time against Luton Town in the English Premier League.
Adams joins Josh Wolff as the only Americans to score the first two goals in the past 40 years. three; Adams also scored in a friendly against Mexico in September 2018.
With one minute left on the clock, Johnny Cardoso was substituted for Adams early in the second half on Sunday.
“Typical Tyler, we're arguing in the locker room and he wants to play. Guys ask why can't he play more?” Berhalter said. “I wanted him in the game because I did, it's a safety thing. We want to make sure he comes back healthy because he has a lot of games left to play.”
Berhalder has agreed a minutes limit with Bournemouth. Adams said he was limited to 60 minutes when he returns to action with his club this weekend.
“Going out at the last minute was obviously disappointing, especially after scoring a goal and helping the team,” Adams said. “So, yes, I understand that we have to be smart about the long-term plan.”
Reina, who has been limited to one league start for Borussia Dortmund and Nottingham Forest this season, scored his eighth international goal. Christian Pulisic's cross is blocked by defender Johan Vasquez. The ball deflected off American forward Haji Wright and back to Vasquez. Reyna bounced the ball and beat Ochoa to the near post from 16 yards out.
“It's good for speed,” Raina said. “We've been together with our core group now and I think we know what it takes to win big games and tournaments and hopefully we can take that to the Copa America and have a great run there.”
Fisher awarded a penalty kick for Anthony Robinson's challenge on Santiago Gimenez shortly after Reina's goal. But following a video review by Nicaragua's Tatiana Guzmán, the referee stopped the foul and awarded the forward a yellow card for simulation.
Berhalder made five changes from Thursday's starting line-up in Thursday's 3-1 extra-time win over Jamaica, adding right-back Sergino Test, central defender Tim Ream, midfielders Adams and Reina and forward Right. They were replaced by Joe Scally, Miles Robinson, Yunus Musa, Malik Tillman and Fowler Balogan.
Mexico coach Jaime Lozano inserted right-back Jorge Sanchez and forward Hirving Lozano for Julian Araujo and Julian Quinones.
Both the United States and Mexico are now preparing for this summer's Copa America, which will be played in the United States from June 20 to July 14. Beyond that, they are eyeing a co-hosted 2026 World Cup. USA, Mexico and Canada.
“Before we know it, 2026 is going to be here,” Berhalter said.
Dexter Lembigisa's 41st-minute goal gave Jamaica a 1-0 win over Panama in the third-place match.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
