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Goals from Edson Alvarez, Raul Jimenez, and Cesar Montes helped Mexico edge out the Dominican Republic side, who got their strikes through Peter Gonzalez and Edison Azcona.
Mexico forward Raúl Jiménez (9) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against the Dominican Republic Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Mexico began the defence of the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a win over the Dominican Republic at the SoFi Stadium in California on Sunday, with a 3-2 triumph.
Goals from Edson Alvarez, Raul Jimenez, and Cesar Montes helped Mexico edge out the Dominican Republic side, who got their strikes through Peter Gonzalez and Edison Azcona.
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Mexico coach Javier Aguirre lauded El Tri’s victory on the opening day of the event, stating, “It was a good win to start with.”
“I congratulate my team, who maintained their emotional balance. It was a hard-fought, but fair victory,” the 66-year-old added.
“Our rival did a lot of merit, they demanded us, they did a good job,” he acknowledged the fight put up by the Dominican Republic.
“We were patient, we scored three goals and it was an attractive match for the fans, although there are things that need to be corrected,” Aguirre added.
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Alvarez gave Mexico the lead with a powerful header from a corner at the 44-minute mark, making it 1-0 at half-time. Veteran striker Jimenez doubled the advantage just 30 seconds after the break, skillfully finishing after a clever through ball from Santiago Gimenez.
However, a brilliant solo goal by the Dominicans’ Peter Gonzalez on 51 minutes—marking the country’s first-ever Gold Cup goal—narrowed the deficit to 2-1, causing some anxiety among the Mexico-dominated crowd of 54,309.
The concern was short-lived as Cesar Montes restored Mexico’s two-goal lead two minutes later, making it 3-1. Edison Azcona’s deflected shot on 67 minutes made it 3-2, setting up a tense finish before Mexico held on to secure all three points in the Group A clash.
Mexico, the most successful nation in Gold Cup history, extended their record with a ninth regional championship in the 2023 edition of the Gold Cup.
(With Inputs From AFP)
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