Late Robinson’s strike fires U.S. to CONCACAF Gold Cup title
LAS VEGAS: AUGUST 2 – Miles Robinson scored in extra time as the United States won the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup for the seventh time on Sunday with a dramatic 1-0 defeat of Mexico in the final.
Robinson breached Mexico’s defense in the 117th minute when he met a curling 30-yard free-kick from Kellyn Acosta with a downward header that bounced past goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera.
“I don’t really know what happened,” Robinson told a television reporter after the match. “I’m having some crazy emotions. I’m just happy we got the win. I knew if I got a half-step I could finish one. I’m ready to celebrate.”
Mexico looked in command for most of the match, controlling 64 percent of total possession and having 22 shots on goal, eight more than the U.S..
But enlivened by boisterous support from their fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the hosts raised their tempo in extra-time and were rewarded when Robinson caught the Mexican defense napping.
The 24-year-old Atlanta United defender has now scored three times in nine international appearances.
The result came less than two months after the U.S. won the inaugural edition of the CONCACAF National League by also beating Mexico in extra-time in the final at Denver’s Empower field.
-XINHUA
