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HOUSTON, Texas: Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute after a video review reversed an offside call, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 on Sunday night for its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title.
Chris Richards put the US ahead in the fourth minute, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick for the second time in the tournament, but Raúl Jiménez tied the score in the 27th with his third goal of this Gold Cup.
Mexico was awarded the free kick when Diego Luna fouled Alexis Vega on a flank. Johan Vásquez flicked the restart across the goal mouth and Álvarez burst past the defense, redirecting the ball from 3 yards just inside Matt Freese’s far post. While the play was initially called offside, the goal was awarded by the VAR, and Mexico defended its title from 2023 while improving to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the US
Patrick Agyemang had a chance two minutes into stoppage time but he didn’t make good contact on his short-range shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
A sellout crowd of 70,925 at NRG Stadium was about 70 percent pro-Mexico and booed US players when they walked out for pregame warmups. Mexico dominated with 60 percent possession and had 12 corner kicks to none for the Americans.
This was the last competitive match for the US and Mexico before co-hosting next year’s World Cup with Canada.
The US, which has seven Gold Cup titles but none since 2021, used a starting lineup with only a handful of players currently projected as World Cup starters, missing regulars due to vacation, injuries and the Club World Cup.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino used their absence to evaluate players who could push for starting jobs during the friendlies this fall and next spring, and Luna and Agyemang emerged as contenders for World Cup roster spots.
Richards out the US in front when he headed Berhalter’s free kick from about 40 yards off the crossbar. The ball bounced straight down and just crossed the goal line.
Jiménez scored his 42nd international goal, third-most in Mexican history. He burst past the defense and one-timed the pass from Marcel Ruiz, beating Freese from about 10 yards on a shot that might have nicked defender Tim Ream.
Jiménez celebrated by grabbing a Mexico No. 20 jersey with “DIOGO J” in honor of Diogo Jota, his former Wolverhampton teammate who died in a car crash Thursday in Spain. Jiménez ran to a corner, sat down with the jersey and mimicked playing a video game.
 

RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League announced on Sunday it had officially taken on the financial oversight of its clubs.

The announcement follows a decision by the Ministry of Sport to transfer oversight duties from the Financial Sustainability Committee to a newly established body under the league.

The move is designed to enhance financial governance, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen institutional discipline within the rapidly growing Saudi football sector.

The committee will consist of representatives from the Ministry of Sport, the ����ֱ��n Football Federation, SPL, and include independent members.

“This is an important step toward unifying oversight, simplifying procedures, and promoting a more professional work environment across clubs,” the SPL said in a statement.

“The aim is to raise compliance levels and improve the speed and efficiency of financial reviews,” it added.

While the new mandate is limited to Saudi Pro League clubs, officials said the reform marks a broader commitment to improve governance and financial sustainability across the sport.

The SPL added that it would continue its work on existing oversight functions, such as tracking late payments and ensuring clubs meet their financial obligations, as a part of the existing certification process.

The issuance of financial competency certificates will remain a key condition for clubs to operate. In addition, new regulatory standards and planning tools are being gradually introduced.

These are intended to bolster long-term investment in club infrastructure and administration, while also helping clubs avoid financial distress through better discipline.

The SPL noted that the changes come in response to past financial and administrative challenges faced by several clubs, and reflect a coordinated effort between the SPL, ministry, and the SAFF to promote sustainable growth.

“This development is part of an integrated approach,” the SPL stated.

It is “aimed at supporting clubs in building strong, stable institutions that match the ambitions of their fans.”