Mexico holds off Dominican Republic in Gold Cup opener

INGLEWOOD — The Mexican national team kicked off defense of its CONCACAF Gold Cup title Saturday with a wild and entertaining clash with the Dominican Republic.

The atmosphere probably wasn’t as lively as a normal Mexico national team match in L.A., but that’s understandable considering what’s going on outside of the sport of soccer and the ongoing immigration raids that kept many people home.

However, the 54,309 in attendance at SoFi Stadium, were witness to a wild 20-minute stretch in the second half, that saw the teams four goals, with Mexico building a two-goal lead twice, Dominican Republic cutting it in half twice, with the night eventually ending with a 3-2 Mexico win in the first game of Group A.

“The opponent scored two times, they did well, played nicely,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. “They had nothing to lose. We could have don more on the goals. It could have ended 3-0. The team didn’t crumble. The opponent took us to the limit, but it was a nice victory to begin with.

“There’s no such thing as small opponent and it was proven today.”

Mexico, who has won nine Gold Cup titles, is the defending champion, having defeated Panama 1-0 in 2023, in a final that was played at SoFi Stadium. Mexico has found a lot of success recently at SoFi. Earlier this year, Mexico won the CONCACAF Nations League title, defeating Panama.

Late in the first half, Mexico found its way on the scoreboard on Edson Alvarez’s header off of a corner kick, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.

On the other side of the break, it turned into a goal-fest. Raul Jiménez scored, assisted by his forward partner Santiago Giménez for a 2-0 lead.

Dominican Republic, which is making its first appearance in the Gold Cup, cut the deficit in half on Peter Gonzalez’s goal in the 51st minute. Two minutes later, Alvarez headed the ball towards the net, and it ricocheted into the back of the net off teammate César Montes, restoring Mexico’s two-goal lead, 3-1.

Alvarez, earlier in the week, posted a message of solidarity with the people who have been impacted by the ongoing immigration raids.

“I want to send a message of respect and solidarity to all the Latino families in Los Angeles who are facing difficult times today, especially to my Mexican family. I admire your courage, your work, and your love for moving forward. We are with you. Don’t lose faith.”

The two-goal lead didn’t last the rest of the night. In the 67th minute, former Inter Miami Homegrown Player Edison Azcona gave Dominican Republic a second goal, making things interesting for the rest of the night.

Goalkeeper Xavier Valdez was pressed into action early in the game and stood up to the challenge, highlighted by a diving, one-handed save on a powerful shot by Jiménez from just inside the 18-yard box.

The first goal by Alvarez, right before halftime, sent Dominican Republic into halftime a bit unlucky.

Friday, Aguirre said he’s noticed the strides and improvements that Dominican Republic has taken in soccer.

“We can’t underestimate anyone,” he said. “We’ve seen a lot of the work that is key for the Dominican Republic. A lot of scouting to attract a deeper pool. When you used to think about the Dominican Republic, you would only think baseball, but not anymore.”

The Dominican Republic qualified by going a perfect 6-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League B.

Group A continues Wednesday in Arlington, Texas, at AT&T Stadium with the Dominican Republic facing Costa Rica (4 p.m.) and Mexico meeting Suriname (7 p.m.). Group stage play will conclude June 22 with the Dominican Republic facing Suriname, still in Texas and Mexico taking on Costa Rica at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.