The first day of the month was one to remember for fans, players, and every involved with the United States Men’s National Team. It wasn’t an easy night by any means, but they were able to get the job done. A 1-0 victory over Mexico marks the second trophy USA have won against El Tri this summer.
The match started out shaky for Turner and his team, but they grew into the game immensely. In the early goings, DC United’s own Paul Arriola found himself in a golden spot to score, but nailed it off the outside of the right post instead. The rest of the game was filled with nerves. People who are not fans of the beautiful game could never really understand how exciting a scoreless 0-0 match can really be.
Matt Turner was called into action many times in the first half, saving a strong header to the middle left of his goal frame. Funes Mori would take on two other chances that Turner shut down easily. The game continued to drag on as neither side could find the finishing touch, despite the USMNT gaining control late in the game.
Both teams survived regulation with a clean sheet, meaning extra time was ahead. The substitutes were working hard, but neither team found a concrete opportunity. Finally, it came. Boston Massachusetts’ own Miles Robinson nicked home a header off a Kellyn Acosta free kick service to hand the USA the trophy. It took 118 minutes to find the decider, avoiding penalty kicks. Acosta, Turner, and Robinson were the obvious standouts for the victors. Matt Turner was also awarded the golden glove, the trophy for the best goalkeeper during the duration of the tournament. Revs’ Henry Kessler also appeared in the game in the final minutes.
The conclusion of the 2021 Gold Cup means that all the MLS players that singlehandedly beat the entire nation of Mexico’s best footballers are set to return to their clubs. This includes the Revs’ Matt Turner, Henry Kessler, and Tajon Buchanan. It’s not likely that Turner will start on Wednesday against Nashville, but Buchanan and Kessler have had some days off, and played very few minutes respectively. Kessler got into the game to park the bus in the final two minutes of the win. The Revs will take their near full strength squad to Gillette Stadium to host Nashville SC on Wednesday.
(Photo: Patrick Fallon)