Pulisic and Horvath’s Extra-time Heroics Lift USA Over Mexico 3-2

The U.S Men’s National team defeated their rival Mexico 3-2,  in the first ever CONCACAF Nations League title thanks to Christian Pulisic’s penalty kick in the 114th minute.

The US came from behind twice, after going down 1-0 and 2-1. A combination of Pulisic’s converted penalty-kick and a huge save from substitute goalkeeper Ethan Horvath secured the victory for the US.

Mexico wasted no time scoring just 63 seconds into the contest, after US center back Mark McKenzie’s pass was picked off by Jesús Corona. Corona dribbled in all alone and unleashed a powerful blast by goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

Later in the half, Mexico appeared to go up 2-0 after a header by Hector Morneo slipped past the goalkeeper, but after further review the goal was disallowed for offside.

Moments after the disallowed goal, Gio Reyna evened the match after Weston Mckennie’s header bounced off the post and landed on Reyna’s foot, for an easy tap-in goal.

The game remained a 1-1 deadlock for most of the second half until Mexico’s Diego Laniez slotted home a shot in the 79th minute after a nice move in the box to go up 2-1.

The US struck back again, as McKennie barely squeaked a header by the keeper to force overtime with just 8 minutes remaining.

Sunday’s victory was a statement win for the US program and this young, team and they look to build momentum entering next month’s Gold Cup.

Be sure to look for players like Christian Pulisic in our upcoming Hit Parade Soccer lines!