Edson Alvarez helps Mexico survive Dominican Republic thriller, win Gold Cup opener

New York Times

15 hours ago

INGLEWOOD, California — Edson Alvarez did it all for Mexico on Saturday night, scoring, playing in midfield and defense, and ultimately pushing El Tri to a 3-2 victory over the Dominican Republic.
Mexico will be happy to take all three points to open its Concacaf Gold Cup title defense, with the Dominican Republic providing a spirited challenge in its first-ever Gold Cup match.
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It was an atmosphere that felt restrained from the typical Mexico match in the Southwestern U.S., with protests against immigration raids continuing a dozen miles from the stadium in downtown Los Angeles. Some Mexico fans posted on social media that they'd avoid attending the match, with Mexico manager Javier Aguirre declining to opine on any political matters.
Still, there were plenty of the vibrant moments that characterize El Tri games as well, with a wave going around the announced crowd of 54,309 within the first 10 minutes.
Those fans had something to cheer just before the halftime break when West Ham man Alvarez leapt at the near post to nod in a corner kick from Orbeline Pineda and give Mexico the lead.
The second half started briskly, as both teams had scoring chances within the first two minutes. Mexico forward Raul Jimenez finished his chance, off a pass from forward partner Santi Gimenez, to extend his team's lead to two.
The Dominican Republic had a moment of its own to celebrate in the 51st minute, though its first-ever Gold Cup goal came in strange circumstances. As Peter Gonzalez took possession from a throw-in, a fan in the stands tossed the ball that had gone out of play back on the field. Gonzalez beat a Mexican defender to get into the box and finished with his left foot for the Caribbean country's debut tally. Mexico players circled the referee asking for him to annul the goal because of the second ball, but he ruled it hadn't affected the play.
Alvarez again appeared for Mexico shortly after. Having slid back into central defense after starting the game in a deep midfield role, Alvarez once again was able to win a header off a corner kick. This time, his effort took a deflection off fellow center back Cesar Montes. After the goal was credited to Alvarez, Montes' name ended up going on Concacaf's official scoresheet.
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Whether than quibbling about who got the credit, the Mexico veterans will simply be relieved that the goal counted, since it turned out to be necessary. Despite being closed down by a trio of Mexico defenders in the box in the 67th minute after midfielder Heinz Mörschel found him at the edge of the area, Dominican substitute Edison Azcona was able to get to his right foot and put a quick shot past Mexico goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon to once again pull the underdogs to within one goal.
Aguirre hoped to extend the slim advantage, refreshing his attack with winger Julian Quiñones coming on in the 73rd minute and fellow wide attacker Cesar Huerta entering in the 83rd. But neither team enjoyed any clear-cut opportunities, with Alvarez's big day marking the difference.
Both teams now turn their attention to their second group matches Wednesday in North Texas, with the DR meeting Costa Rica and Mexico facing Suriname in the second game of a doubleheader at AT&T Stadium.