Mexico defeats U.S. to win 2025 Gold Cup Final

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 6, 2025)  Mexico came from behind to defeat the United States 2-1 in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final on Sunday evening at NRG Stadium. With the win, Mexico claimed its 10th Gold Cup title, the most in tournament history.

The match started fast, with the U.S. striking early. In just the fourth minute, defender Chris Richards scored with a powerful header off a free kick from Sebastian Berhalter, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead.

Mexico answered back in the 27th minute. Star striker Raúl Jiménez found the back of the net, scoring his third goal of the tournament to tie the game 1-1.

The second half remained tight until the 77th minute. Midfielder Edson Álvarez scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal. His goal was first called offside, but after a video review, the referee confirmed it was good. That gave Mexico the 2-1 lead, and they held on until the final whistle.

This was the eighth time the U.S. and Mexico have met in a Gold Cup final. Mexico now leads the rivalry in finals with six wins to the U.S.’s two.

USMNT beats Haiti 2–1 to Finish Group D

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2025) On Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the U.S. Men’s National Team beat Haiti 2–1 in their final Group D match of the Concacaf Gold Cup.

.The U.S. answered quickly. In the 13th minute, Malik Tillman made a strong, low shot into the net to tie the game. That gave the home fans a big cheer and brought the score to 1–1.

The U.S. took the lead in the 75th minute. Defender Patrick Agyemang headed in a pass from a corner kick. That goal pushed the U.S. ahead 2–1.

They held on to win, ending group play with a perfect 3–0 record. The U.S. scored eight goals and gave up just one, earning nine points to top Group D.

Haiti finishes with just one point (a 1–1 draw) and misses the knockout round 

Canada, Honduras earn key points in Gold Cup group play

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21, 2025) Canada and Honduras kept their Concacaf Gold Cup dreams alive with exciting results on the field on Saturday. Both teams are chasing a spot in the knockout round as group play nears its end.

Canada got off to a fast start in their match against Curaçao. Midfielder Nathan Saliba, making just his fifth appearance for the national team, scored early in the 9th minute. His right-footed shot from the center of the box found the bottom corner of the goal, giving Canada a 1-0 lead.

Canada looked like they would grab all three points, but Curaçao had other plans. In the 94th minute, Jeremy Antonisse tied the game. He scored on a right-footed shot from the center of the box. Joshua Zimmerman provided the assist with a sharp pass. The match ended 1-1.

Later that evening, Honduras brought energy and intensity in a 2-0 win over El Salvador. The crowd roared when forward Romell Quioto scored in the 33rd minute. The former Houston Dynamo star split two defenders and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner. Edwin Rodríguez set him up with a smooth assist.

Honduras sealed the win in stoppage time. Midfielder took off on a fast break. El Salvador’s goalkeeper, Mario Gonzalez, had moved up the field, leaving the goal wide open. Ramirez took advantage and scored from long range into an empty net.

“We took advantage of Dixon’s potential,” said Honduras head coach Reinaldo Rueda. “Thank God he was able to finish. That second goal gave us a huge relief.”

With one game left in group play, Canada leads Group B with four points. Honduras is close behind with three. Curaçao has two points, while El Salvador is last with one.

Canada will face El Salvador next at Shell Energy Stadium on June 24. Honduras will take on Curaçao the same day at PayPal Park in California.

Canada takes down Paraguay 4-0 in Concacaf Women's Gold Cup

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 25, 2024) Canada's Adriana Leon scored the hat trick to lead The Canucks to a 4-0 win over Paraguay in the second round of Group Stage C action of the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening.

Leon, who plays for Aston Villa (England) during the club season, started off her scoring onslaught in the 25th minute when she right-footed the ball into the net for the first score of the game. Olivia Smith followed up 10 minutes later to take the score to 2-0 against La Albirroja. Leon added to the Canadian total with two goals in the second half; in the 49th and 56th minute

With the win, Canada moved to 2-0 in the group stage, having defeated 6-0 on Friday night, with Leon scoring two goals in the game and Smith adding one.

Paraguay dropped to 1-1 after today's match beating Costa Rica 1-0 on Friday,

Next up for Canada is a Wednesday, February 28 against Costa Rica with a 5 p.m. start, followed by Paraguay and El Salvador at 8 p.m.

Guadalupe drops Cuba 4-1 in CONCACAF Gold Cup Action

Story by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 1, 2023) Guadalupe jumped out to a three-goal lead in the first half in route to a 4-1 win over Cuba in the second match for each team in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium.

The Gwada Boys earned three points with the win, in preparation for their final group stage match against Guatemala on July 4.

The first score came in the 13th minute when forward Matthias Phaeton found the back of the net giving Guadalupe a 1-0 lead. Play remained pretty constant for the remainder of the half, with each team unable to gain an advantage over their opponent. Then, in the span of two minutes, Cuba allowed two more goals into the back of their goal, giving The Gwada Boys a 3-0 lead at halftime. The first goal came by forward Ange Plumain in the 41st minute, with the follow-up goal by Matthias giving him a brace for the match.

In the second half, Guadalupe added to their goal total in the 50th minute when defender Anthony Baron scored the insurance goal.

Cuba finally got on the scoreboard when captain Aricheell Hernandez scored his team's first goal of the tournament in the 62nd minute.

Next up for Cuba is a July 4 matchup versus Canada.

CONCACAF Doubleheader at BBVA Stadium Scheduled to Resume at 7:50 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 13, 2021) Today’s Concacaf Gold Cup doubleheader at BBVA Stadium will begin at 7:50 p.m. CDT with the opening game of Group D between Panama and Qatar. 

The doubleheader was postponed due to lightning in the area around the stadium. The teams were allowed to enter the pitch at 7:20 p.m. CT and will have 30 minutes to warm up. The second match of the doubleheader between Honduras and Grenada will begin at 10:10 p.m. CT.

 For the safety of everyone involved, all players, referees and staff were not permitted on the field while there was lightning near the stadium, and the seating bowl was cleared. During the delay, fans were able to either stay in the stadium on the concourse or leave the stadium to seek shelter elsewhere. If fans left the stadium due to the weather delay, they may scan their ticket on exit in order to return when play resumes.

Mexico nips Costa Rica in penalty kicks

 Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (memo) had a
great game in front of the net against Costa Rica.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 29, 2019) After 120 minutes of play and a tied score, Mexico had to rely on penalty kicks to record the win over Costa Rica to advance to the semi-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston.

With the score tied after regulation, two additional 15-minute periods were played with the score remaining the same after the additional 30 minutes of play. Both teams went to penalty kicks to determine the outcome of the game, with Mexico coming out on top, five penalty kick goals to four. The game was unique in many ways, including a record 70,788 fans; the largest Gold Cup game in Houston. In addition, a total of 11 yellow cards were issued; six to Costa Rica and five to Mexico.

Mexico got on the scoreboard in the 44th minute with a Raul Jimenez goal. Costa Rica followed up with the equalizer by Bryan Ruiz in the 52nd minute.

Haiti edges Canada 3-2 to advance to semifinals of CONCACAF Gold Cup

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 29, 2019) Coming back from a 2-0 deficit at halftime, No. 101 Haiti (shown right) scored three unanswered goals in the second half to down No. 78 Canada by the score of 3-2 in the first of two quarterfinal matches of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Houston's NRG Stadium. This win was the first in the quarterfinals for Los Catrachos, having dropped three previous quarterfinal matches in Gold Cup history.

The first goal for The Canuaks came in the 18th minute on a nice shot, off a free kick, by Jonathan David. The fleet-footed forward, who plays professionally for KAA Gant, took his shot from the top right corner of the penalty box; drilling it past Haitian goalkeeper Jhonu Placide. The goal gave David his sixth goal in four games in the 2019 Gold Cup. Ten minutes later, forward Lucas Cavallini tapped in the second Canadian goal, for his fifth goal in four games in the tournament.

Five minutes into the second half, Haiti forward Duckens Nazon found himself in the "right place at the right time" when Palcide tried to "finesse" the ball out of the penalty

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

area. A misstep left the ball unprotected; allowing Nazon to gently tap it into goal to cut Canada's lead to one. They evened the score twenty minutes later when forward Herve Bazile converted at penalty kick. Haiti took the lead, and secured the win, in the 76th minute on a phenomenal pass from Nazon to midfielder Wilde-Donald Guerrier (No. 10, shown above) for the final goal of the match

The match was the third time the two teams met in Gold Cup history. Canada won the previous two meetings by the score of 2-0. The first meeting was on January 18, 2002, with Kevin McKenna score twice secure the win at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.came on June 11, 2017. Dwayne DeRosario scored twice in their win, which occurred at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.

El Salvador, Jamaica battle to scoreless draw in CONCACAF Gold Cup

El Salvador midfielder Darwin Ceren (7), who
plays in the MLS for the Houston Dynamo,
moves the ball past Jamaican defender
Damion Lowe at BBVA Stadium.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21, 2019) In front of a highly partisan El Salvador crowd, No. 69 La Selectra battled No. 54 Jamaica to a scoreless draw in Group D action of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at BBVA Stadium in Houston. The draw gives both squad a 1-0-1 record, with four points in group standings.

The first half was evenly matched, with both squads pushing back-and-forth trying to locate a weakness in the others defense, without much success. Two events brought the El Salvador fans to their feet, in the 10th and 42nd minutes. Defender Roberto Dominguez was issued a yellow card early in the game. Just prior to the half, midfielder Darwin Ceren was also yellow carded. The first half ended with neither team able to get the ball into the goal.

The second half saw much of the same play, with four yellow cards being issued. The Reggae Boyz received three; with forwards Dever Orgill and Junior Flemmings being carded in the 48th and 60th minute, respectively. Defender Damoin Love added the third yellow card for Jamaica in the 85th minute. Defender Jonathan Jimenez received the final yellow card of the match, for El Salvador, in the 90th minute.

Previously, on June 17 at Kingston Jamaica's National Stadium, Jamaica downed Honduras 3-2 while Curacao fell to El Salvador 1-0. On Tuesday, June 25, at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, Jamaica will face Curacao with Honduras facing El Salvador to close out group action.

Haiti, Costa Rica win first games in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B action

Logo courtsey of CONCACAF

By Chris Price
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (June 16, 2019) No. 39 Costa Rica had an easy time, but Haiti had to come from behind to win their first round matches in Group B of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at National Stadium of San Jose, on Sunday, June 16, 2019. In the first match, in front of a mostly emply stadium, No 174 Bermuda scored first, but No. 101 Haiti came from behind to take the first game of the double-header by the score of 2-1. In the nightcap, hometown favorite Los Ticos had little trouble dispatching No. 129 Nicaragua by the score of 4-0. The wins gave both Costa Rica and Haiti three points in group play, with all four teams meeting on Thursday, June 20 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Defender Dante Leverock got Bermuda on the board in added time of the first half. Forward Frantzdy Perrot tallied a brace 12 minutes apart; scoring for Haiti in the 54th and 66th minute. In the second game, Costa Rica had three first half goals in their 4-0 won. Defender Bryan Oviedo sccored in the 7th minute, with midfielder Celso Brooks nailing the goal from the top of the arc, in the 19th minute. Midfielder Elias Aguilar scored from midfield off afree kick in first half added time. Midfielder Allan Cruz added an insurance goal in the 75th minute to secure the win. The match was the first meeting between Costa Rica and Nicaragua in Gold Cup play, and their 19th meeting going back to 1941. Los Ticos leads the all-time series 17-1-1.

Canada, Mexico score early wins in Group A of CONCACAF Gold Cup

Logo courtsey of CONCACAF

By Chris Price
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA (June 15, 2019) The 2019 edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup kicked off on Saturday with two matches at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Also known as Spieker Field at the Rose Bowl, the 97-year-old venue hosted the kickoff double header in Group A action, with No. 78 Canada facing Martinique and No. 18 Mexico playing No. 175 Cuba. Due to the fact that Martinique is not a member of FIFA, they are not ranked, but as a member of CONCACAF, they are eligible for participation in the Gold Cup.

In the first match at the Rose Bowl, Canada blasted past Martinique 4-0, with Jonathan David getting a brace in the 33rd and 53rd minute. Junior Hoilett and Scott Arfield added insurance goals in the 63rd and 68th minute, respectively.

Match two gave Mexico an easy 7-0 win over Cuba off a hat trick by Uriel Antuna, scoring in the 2nd, 44th, and 80th minute. Raul Jimenez added a brace, in the 31st and 80th minute; with Diego Reyes scoring in the 38th minute. Alexia Vega added an insurance goal on the 74th minute.

Group A will continue on Wednesday, June 19 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver. Cuba will face Martinique with a 7 p.m. MT start, while Mexico will play Cuba in the night cap.

CONCACAF Gold Cup Disciplinary Committee Issues Decision in El Salvador Cases

MIAMI, FLORIDA (July 22, 2017) The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced this evening the decisions taken by the Gold Cup Disciplinary Committee, in the cases regarding anti-sporting behavior by two El Salvador players during the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal match against the United States played July 19 in Philadelphia.

The Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanctions on El Salvador players Henry Romero and Darwin Ceren, which took immediate effect:

• Player Henry Romero receives a six-match ban from participating in the next official matches with the El Salvador national team;
• Player Darwin Ceren receives a three-match ban from participating in the next official matches with the El Salvador national team.

The sanctions were communicated to the El Salvador Football Federation, at which point they took immediate effect. 

Jamaica, El Salvador battle to one-all draw; both advance to knockout stage of Gold Cup

Nelson Bonilla (#9) reacts to scoring the first goal for
El Salvador in thier win over Jamaica in the 2017 Gold Cup.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (July 16, 2017)  Jamaica and El Salvador battled to a one-all draw in the final game for both teams in Group C action of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, July 16, 2017. The Reggae Boyz finish the group stage of the tournament in second place with a 1-0-2 record (5 points). Los Cuscatlecos finished with four points and a 1-1-1 record. Both teams will advance to the knockout stage of the tournament, with El Salvador having the best record of third place teams.

El Salvador found pay dirt in the 15th minute with a solid shot from forward Nelson Bonilla. It was his second goal of the tournament, having scored in the 10th minute in La Selecta's 3-1 loss to Mexico on July 9. As a result of his score and play, he was selected the Man of the Match.

Jamaica had a chance to even the score in the 45th minute when midfielder Ewan Grandison came rushing down the right side and drilled a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which was deflected by goalkeeper Derby Carillo. After one minute of added time, both teams headed to the locker room at half time with El Salvador leading 1-0. The Reggae Boyz finally did even the score in the 64th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Forward Darren Mattocks nailed the shot to tie the score. With the score, Mattocks, who plays professionally for the Portland Timbers, became Jamaica's all-time top score in the Gold Cup. He made his debut in Jamaica's 2-0 win over El Salvador on August 15, 2012.

Two yellow cards were issued in the match; the first to Jamaica's Romario Williams in the 47th minute and the second to El Salvador's Narciso Orellana in the 63rd minute. The Reggae Boys pushed their overall Gold Cup record to 14 wins, 17 loses, and seven draws. La Selecta overall record is eight wins, 16 loses, and seven draws. 

Canada & Costa Rica battle to one-all draw in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A action

Alphonso Davies (12) scores the first goal of the match for Canada.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, Las Vita Loca Photography,
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 11, 2017) Canada and Costa Rica battled to a one-all draw at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston in the second match for both teams in Group A action of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Canada struck first in the 26th minute when midfielder Alphonso Davies drilled the ball past Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton to put The Canucks up 1-0. The Ticos came back and scored the equalizer in the 42nd minute when defender Francisco Calvo headed a shot into the net off a corner kick.

Canada won the Gold Cup title in 2000 in 12 appearances, dating back to 1991. When The Canucks beat French Guiana 4-0 on Friday, July 7, 2017, it was the first match they had won in their previous eight Gold Cup games. Prior to that, they last tasted victory on June 11, 2011 as Dwayne DeRosario netted the lone goal from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe. The next opponent for Canada will be Honduras. They will face their final Group A opponent on Friday, July 14 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Costa Rica downed Honduras 1-0 on July 7 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Their best finish in previous Gold Cups was runner-up in the 2002 final against the United States at the Rose Bowl. Their overall record is 16 wins, 15 draws, and 19 loses in Gold Cup action prior to 2017.

Canada, Costa Rica begin CONCACAF Gold Cup with first-day wins

Mexico will try to win their seventh Gold Cup in 2017
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 9, 2017) The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup kicked off on Friday, July 7, 2017 with two games at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Canada downed French Guiana 4-2 and Costa Rica beat Honduras 1-0 in Group A action. Next up in Group A, with July 11 matchups, finds Costa Rica facing Canada and Honduras playing French Guiana.

Group B action saw the United States and Panama battle to a one-all draw, while Martinique downed Nicaragua 2-0 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, July 8, 2017. All four teams will play on July 12 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Group C kicks off on Sunday, July 9 with Curacao and Jamaica playing the first game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. That will be followed by Mexico taking on El Salvador. Each team will play three matches in the group stages, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the knockoff stage. The best two third-place teams in group play will also advance to the knockout round.

The CONCACAF Gold Cup began in 1991 with the United States winning the first of their five titles (1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013). Mexico took the title in 1993, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2011 and 2015. Canada is the only other country to win the title, in 2000.

Dynamo FW Erick Torres called up to Mexican National Team for CONCACAF Gold Cup

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 4, 2017) Houston Dynamo forward Erick Torres (No. 9, shown right) has been added to Mexican National Team roster for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was called up for international play after Alan Pulido injured his shoulder playing in an international friendly match against Paraguay this past Saturday (July 1).

Torres will join "El Tri" following the Dynamo's game against the Montreal Impact on Wednesday night, July 5, at BBVA Compass Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CDT. He is the fourth Dynamo player to be called in by their respective national teams for the Gold Cup. The trio of midfielder Boniek García and forwards Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto have been called up by Honduras for the duration of the tournament.

Torres has represented Mexico in multiple international tournaments at the youth level, yet the Gold Cup will be the 24-year-old’s first tournament at the senior international level. Torres has played at the senior level in four friendly matches and scored one goal, which came on October 12, 2014 when he scored the game-winning goal in a friendly match against Panama. 

USA Downs Panama 1-0 in Gold Cup 2011 Semi-Final Action; Advance to Final at the Rose Bowl on Saturday

Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan embrace after the goal that gave the USA a 1-0 victory over Panama. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.


By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2011) After an uninspiring 75 minutes of play at Reliant Stadium, the USA scored in the 76 minute to give the USA a 1-0 win over Panama in the first semi-final game of CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011.

The USA’s Clint Dempsey was advancing on the goal when Landon Donovan fed him a pass from the right side.

He shot from inside the box; drilling the ball past Panama goalkeeper Jamie Penedo for the score

Most of the game was relatively uninspiring, with the USA five shots on goal and Panama attempting eight.

Fouls were abundant during the game with the whistle sounding 21 times against the United States.

Panama was cited 10 times for fouls.

The best action up to the start of the second half was a half naked fan running across the playing field of Reliant Stadium, waving his shirt to the soccer aficionados before security removed him.

He was handed over to Houston police and headed for a suspected night in jail.

It was a good thing the half of him that was naked was his upper torso; as it may have made a rough night in the lockup if he had been naked below the waist.

The offense of both teams looks sluggish and it appears the USA is trying to come back from their earlier loss to Panama 2-1 in Group C action.

Both teams seemed uninspired with lackluster play and locus seeming to be lacking.

It was obvious, at least to any person who is remotely knowledgeable about soccer that one or possibly both teams were wishing the game would be over.

A small scuffle occurred in extra time, when USA's Jermaine Jones took a foot to the face; delivered by Panama's Luis Renteria.

Several USA players jumped to Jones' defense and care, which prompted a small shoving match between various USA players and Renteria.

The officials quickly intervened and no cards were issued.

The USA now advances to the finals to play the winner of the Mexico-Honduras.

The "Half Naked" fan is apprehended by Reliant Stadium security before being handed over to Houston Police. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.


If the Red, White, and Blue hope to win the championship of Gold Cup 2011, they had better play with more intensity and focus that they did against Panama.

If not, they will earn their second loss in Gold Cup 2011 play in two weeks.

That would not bode well for the players and coaches alike.

RELIANT STADIUM SOLD OUT FOR CONCACAF GOLD CUP SEMIFINALS ON JUNE 22

FANS URGED TO ARRIVE EARLY AND ENJOY FAN FESTIVALS

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21, 2011) The semifinal doubleheader for the 2011 Gold Cup at Reliant Stadium is a complete sellout, organizers announced today. It marks the seventh sellout of the tournament, with previous full houses at Cowboys Stadium, Soldier Field, Red Bull Arena and LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, New Meadowlands Stadium and RFK Stadium.

Tickets will not be available at the stadium box office on game day. Those without tickets should not approach the stadium area on game day to avoid unnecessary delays, as tickets will not be on sale.

The matches will be televised live in English on FOX Soccer and in Spanish on the Univision family of networks. They will also be broadcast locally on radio in English on Sports 790 AM and in Spanish by Fútbol de Primera on La Ranchera 850 AM.

Fans attending the doubleheader between the United States and Panama, and Mexico vs. Honduras, are urged to arrive at the stadium early to avoid traffic and long lines, and enjoy Futbol Fiesta, a 120,000 sq. ft. interactive fan area featuring live entertainment, sponsor booths and giveaways. Futbol Fiesta will open at 3:00 p.m. CDT in the Blue Lot on the south end of the stadium.

Fans are encouraged to use public transportation such as the METRORail line, which stops along Fannin St. near the Reliant Astrodome. Stadium parking lots will open at 2:00 p.m. CDT. All parking is cash-only, and all non-premium lots are $20 per vehicle.

Tickets for the grand final of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 25 in Pasadena are still available by visiting www.goldcup.org. The Rose Bowl ticket office will be open daily Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local. The 2011 Gold Cup champion and CONCACAF representative to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil will be crowned on Saturday, June 25 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Honduras and El Salvador Battle to 2-2 Tie in Pre-Gold Cup Friendly

(Honduras' Edder Delgado (23) and Carlo Costly (13) "prepare" for a shot by El Salvador's Dennis Alas (14). Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)


By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 29, 2011) On two late goals by forwards Rodolfo Zelaya and Rudis Corrales, El Salvador tied Honduras 2-2 in a pre-Gold Cup friendly soccer match at the University of Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

Honduras led 2-0 going into the final minutes of the game, when Zelaya fired a shot pass Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares to cut “Los Catrachos” lead to one.

“Cuscatlecos” got another score a scant three minutes later when Corrales got the ball and chipped it past Valladares.

Before that, the match was basically all Honduras.

They got their first goal right in the 45th minute, when forward Carlo Costly found himself right in front of an unprotected goal and nudged it in for the first score of the game.

They came back six minutes into the second half on a shot by forward Jerry Bengtson.

In the first half, El Salvador managed only seven shots, with a single attempt being on the goal. Honduras on the other hand, had three shots on goal with 13 attempts.

During halftime, Salvadorian manager Ruben Israel must have lit a fire under his players, as the countered in the second half with two addition shots on goal on seven more shots.

They finished the match with two goals, three shots on goal, and 13 total shots.

Honduras finished with two goals, four shots on goal, and 17 total shots.

The game was relatively free of any hostility between the two teams; with only two cautions issued.

Honduras’ Johnny Leveron received a yellow card in the 4th minute, while El Salvador’s Luis Anaya received his in the 23rd minute.

El Salvador will kick off the 2011 Gold Cup against Mexico on June 5 at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

They are in Group A and will also face Cuba and Costa Rico.

Honduras will start the Gold Cup against Guatemala on June 5 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

They will also face Grenada and Jamaica in Group B action.

MEXICO'S AGUIRRE HANDED THREE-MATCH SUSPENSION FOR ACTIONS IN PANAMA MATCH

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (June 11, 2009) – Mexico manager Javier Aguirre will be suspended three matches for his actions during Thursday night’s Gold Cup Group C match against Panama, the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee ruled Saturday.

In addition, the Mexican Football Federation will be fined $25,000 for the conduct of its bench personnel, who engaged in “serious irresponsible behavior” against Panamanian midfielder Ricardo Phillips and others that precipitated an unruly reaction from the partisan crowd at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.

Aguirre’s suspension will commence with Mexico’s final group game Sunday against Guadeloupe and make him eligible to return for the final July 26 at Giants Stadium in suburban New York. If eliminated before the semifinals, any remaining games would be served in World Cup qualifying.

Aguirre initiated a fracas at midfield of the 1-1 draw in the 80th minute when he left the technical area surrounding the Mexican bench to stop a loose ball that Phillips had been dribbling. Referee Joel Aguilar whistled the play dead when Phillips had let the ball exit the field of play but continued to play the ball as if it were live.

The Mexican coach extended his leg to block the ball, but instead made contact with Phillips, who fell, regained his feet and shoved Aguirre. That prompted Mexican bench personnel to respond by pushing Phillips and a fracas ensued, with debris showering the field from the crowd. The match was interrupted for approximately 12 minutes until order could be restored.

After reviewing video and several reports from numerous officials on site, including the match commissioner, referee, assistant referees and others, the disciplinary committee determined that while Aguirre was not attempting to injure Phillips, he did leave his designated area to engage in activities that resulted in contact and instigated the incident.

“The committee acknowledged that Mr. Aguirre is well known to them as a responsible person and it was their belief that this was an aberration rather than any aspect of his normal behavior,” CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer wrote in his letter to Mexican general secretary president Decio de Maria informing him of the decision.

The disciplinary committee chaired by David Sabir, the general secretary of the Bermuda Football Association, also included Central American Football Union (UNCAF) President Rafael Tinoco of Guatemala and Tony James of Jamaica, the immediate past chairman of the panel.

Tinoco and James were called by Blazer to replace standing members Hector Gonzales of Mexico and Mike Edwards of the United States, who were excluded to remove any appearance of a conflict of interest.

The committee took special note of the “exemplary behavior of Mexican goalkeeper Memo Ochoa in attempting to get the spectators to allow the game to restart and in helping lead Ricardo Phillips…to a safe exit from the playing field.”