Mexico captures record-extending seventh CONCACAF Gold Cup title

PHILADELPHIA (Via CONCACAF) – Mexico captured a record-extending seventh CONCACAF Gold Cup title with a 3-1 win over Jamaica on Sunday before a crowd of 68,930 at Lincoln Financial Field.

The result also earned the Tricolor a date with the 2013 champion United States for a berth in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Golden Ball winner Andres Guardado, Jesus Corona and Oribe Peralta scored for Mexico, while Darren Mattocks accounted for the Reggae Boyz’s lone goal.

Guardado, who finished as the tournament’s second-leading scorer with six goals, netted the first in the 31st minute. Player of the Match Jonathan Dos Santos’ quickly taken free kick was sprayed to the right wing for Paul Aguilar, catching the Jamaican defense somewhat off guard. The Club America standout delivered an assured cross towards the far post, where Guardado volleyed home with his left foot from 10-yards out.

Two minutes after the break, Corona – who was named the Bright Future award recipient — doubled the advantage with the type of skill for which he’s gaining a strong reputation. The 22-year-old attacker stripped defender Michael Hector of possession, raced towards goal and beat goalkeeper Ryan Thompson with a left-footed effort from 20-yards out.

Oribe Peralta ended the encounter for all intents and purposes in the 61st minute with his fourth goal of the competition. A modest defensive clearance ultimately found the feet of Aguilar on the right. His cross was misplayed by Hector and fell to Peralta eight yards from goal for a simple right-footed finish.

Jamaica did not give up and made every attempt to get back into the game. Its persistence to the cause paid off in the 80th minute, when Mattocks received a pass from Jobi McAnuff and entered the left side of the box. He cut into the middle and found right side of the net for his second goal in as many games.

Mexico improved to seven wins and one loss in eight all-time Gold Cup final outings.