PASADENA, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano offers the “Three Things We Learned” from the United States' 3-2 extra time defeat to Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup.
MEXICO IS HEADING TO RUSSIA
A world-class strike by Paul Aguilar deep into extra time sent Mexico through to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States.
With the result, Mexico clinched a berth in the tournament in Russia. The win is a major coup for the Mexicans who will—for the second-straight World Cup cycle—have the opportunity to get the lay of the land in the World Cup hosting nation a year early.
Participation in the Confederations Cup isn’t purely a logistical benefit, however, as El Tri will have at least three more high-level games to get them ready for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
USA VS MEXICO WAS BRILLIANT
The CONCACAF Cup match between the U.S. and Mexico had it all.
Saturday’s clash was an emotional rollercoaster for fans of both nations as the 93,723 attendance were treated to a back-and-forth contest that saw dramatic goals by both sides. The pace of the game picked up in extra time when both sides traded goals from Oribe Peralta and Bobby Wood until Mexico found their winner in the dying moments of extra time.
The lasting memory of the match, however, will be Paul Aguilar’s world-class finish, when the Club America defender launched a volley—from a backward pass by Raul Jimenez—past a helpless Brad Guzan, to give Mexico the CONCACAF Cup.
GYASI ZARDES SHOWS WELL IN CONCACAF CUP
Gyasi Zardes may not be known for his defensive acumen, but the LA Galaxy striker showed well in his own half of the field in Saturday’s CONCACAF Cup.
Whether he was stationed along the left or right flank, Zardes routinely tracked back into the American half to clear out any danger. What was most impressive about the 24-year-old’s 78-minute long shift was his ability to not only make the defensive play but also make the smart pass to spark the United States on the counter when possible.
Zardes’ strong performance shows just how far the 24-year-old has come in just two and a half years as a professional. Expect more two-way work from Zardes when he returns to the Galaxy.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com