The U.S. men’s national team returned to the Concacaf Nations League Final after breezing by rivals Mexico in Thursday’s second semifinal matchup.
Christian Pulisic led the way with two goals for B.J. Callahan’s squad before Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and scored an insurance goal in a 3-0 triumph at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The USMNT’s current unbeaten run against El Tri was extended to six matches in all competitions, tying a federation record against its biggest rivals.
Callaghan will have two key lineup decisions to make for Sunday’s final after Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest were sent off for red card offenses. Mexico’s Cesar Montes and Gerardo Arteaga were also sent off in the match.
Timothy Weah and Pulisic had good opportunities in the opening stages of the match, but failed to test Guillermo Ochoa in net. Pulisic raced to the center of the Mexico box in the 23rd minute before skying hit shot into the stands.
Pulisic’s pressure continued as the USMNT captain forced Ochoa into his first save in the 28th minute. The Chelsea attacker’s shot looked destined to nestle into the top-right corner, but Ochoa punched away Pulisic’s effort.
Pulisic delivered the breakthrough goal however in the 37th minute, picking up a loose ball in the Mexico box before drilling a low shot into the bottom-right corner. Gio Reyna’s original shot was blocked, but Pulisic pounced on the failed clearance and beat Ochoa from a tight angle.
Pulisic doubled his tally and the USMNT’s lead in the 46th minute after finishing off Weah’s pass for a 2-0 scoreline. Weston McKennie’s upfield pass allowed Weah to get behind the Mexico backline before crossing into the box for Pulisic to one-time his shot past Ochoa.
It was Pulisic’s 25th international goal for the USMNT.
Frustration boiled over later in the second half with both teams being reduced to 10 men after a confrontation in front of the USMNT bench. Cesar Montes’ kick out on Folarin Balogun saw the veteran defender sent off for a straight red card before Weston McKennie was also sent off in the skirmish.
Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and delivered the third and final USMNT goal, sneaking behind the Mexico backline before sliding a breakaway shot past Ochoa for a 3-0 lead.
Confrontations continued to occur as the match went on with Dest and Aretaga both being ejected in the 88th minute. Both players hit each other up high after a challenge involving Dest and Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez.
The USMNT would hang on to capture its third win out of its past four matches in all competitions.
Mexico will meet Panama in the third place match on Sunday.