DENVER, CO – Canada’s men’s national team fell 3-1 to Mexico in Concacaf Gold Cup action on Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 52,874 at Broncos Stadium.
El Tri became the first team to book a spot in the Gold Cup quarterfinals with the win. While Canada still have more work to do on the final matchday to reach the knockout stage, they weren’t embarrassed against the class of the region.
Mexico capitalized on a defensive gaffe, and a man advantage with Derek Cornelius on the sideline getting attended to, to take the lead five minutes from halftime. A flubbed clearance fell to Raul Jimenez, who put his volley on target. Milan Borjan made the save, but parried into the path of Roberto Alvarado, who hammered home the rebound.
Alphonso Davies was inches from the equalizer in the 53rd minute when the former Vancouver Whitecaps FC standout cut to the outside of two El Tri defenders and put his ow attempt toward the far post just wide.
The miss proved massive when Mexico’s high press forced a turnover that Guardado turned into the second goal with a stunning shot from distance one minute later.
Canada pulled a goal back in the 75th minute when Jonathan David stripped Nestor Araujo, raced into the box, pumped the brakes and slipped to Lucas Cavallini, who slipped his shot under Guillermo Ochoa.
Guardado responded just two minutes later with his second, putting his shot that deflected off Davies in off the far post.
Cornelius and fellow Whitecaps FC centre back Doneil Henry both played the full 90 minutes for Canada. It was Henry’s first game action since suffering a left hamstring injury on May 18. Russell Teibert also got the start for Canada as a left wingback in a 3-4-3 formation, playing 60 minutes.
Canada concludes the group stage on Sunday against Cuba (3 p.m. PT on TSN).
Scoring Summary
40’ – MEX – Roberto Alvarado
54’ – MEX – Andres Guardado
75’ – CAN – Lucas Cavallini
77’ – MEX – Andres Guardado
