By OkayGoal 
The U.S. men’s national team started strong in Sunday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup Final vs. Mexico, but eventually saw things come crashing down in Houston.
Mexico overcame an early deficit to defeat the USMNT 2-1 at NRG Stadium, capturing a second-consecutive Gold Cup title. Goals from Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez helped El Tri rally to erase Chris Richards’ opening tally for the Americans.
It marked the USMNT’s first competitive loss since losing in the third place match of the CONCACAF Nations League last March.
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad took advantage of an early set-piece for the opening goal of the match. Sebastian Berhalter’s dangerous cross was headed off of the crossbar and in by centerback Chris Richards after only four minutes.
It was Richards’ second goal of the tournament and Berhalter’s second assist as Mexico conceded their first goal since its group stage opener.
Mexico upped the pressure as the first half went on and found its equalizer in the 27th minute through Raul Jimenez. Marcel Ruiz’s through ball pass cut between Alex Freeman and Tim Ream, allowing Jimenez to roof a one-time shot past Matt Freese.
The shot took a slight deflection off of Ream’s right leg.
It certainly was an emotional moment for Jimenez, who celebrated the goal by reenacting former teammate Diogo Jota’s playstation celebration. Jota, 28, tragically passed away last week after being involved in a car crash with his brother Andre Silva in Spain.
Freeman came close to giving the USMNT a halftime lead but Luis Malagon stood tall to deny the Orlando City right back’s header. Berhalter’s over-the-top ball allowed Freeman to race onto it, however, Malagon had other ideas to keep the score level.
As both teams continued to press for a winner in the second half, it was Mexico who took advantage of its continued possession. A free kick from the left wing with 12 minutes remaining was flicked ahead by Johan Vásquez allowing Edson Alvarez to finish off the play for a 2-1 El Tri lead.
The goal was originally waived off for offsides, but VAR overturned the decision after Freeman was guilty of keeping Alvarez onside. It marked El Tri’s fifth set-piece goal of the Gold Cup.
The USMNT tried to find an equalizer late in the match, but were unable to break down the El Tri backline for a second time.
Mexico claimed its 10th Gold Cup of its history, moving three ahead of the USMNT on the all-time winners list.
The USMNT will now have a two-month break before returning to friendly play in September against South Korea and Japan.