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.