The United States Men’s National Soccer Team faced Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on Thursday night, but their 3-0 victory was bittersweet as the game saw a whopping four red cards and the referee was forced to end the game early due to a lack of control. crew.
Four players were sent off in the match, including Americans Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest and Mexicans César Montes and Gerardo Arteaga. Salvadoran referee Iván Barton also ended the game early after homophobic chants were repeated by the crowd.
«These are rivalry games. These are derby games. Things like this happen all over the world and I’m in no way ashamed of it,» interim USA coach BJ Callaghan said after the game, his first to lead the team. .
USMNT forward Folarin Balogun, a 21-year-old making his debut for the squad, said he was «shocked» by the game: «The guys told me it was going to be intense, but I’m definitely still shocked by the events.»
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Folarin Balogun of the United States (20) fights for the ball with Cesar Montes of Mexico during the first half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The goals for the USA were scored by Christian Pulisic, who scored twice, and Ricardo Pepi. Mexico only had one shot on goal in the tournament.
Pulisic now has 25 goals in 59 international appearances, including four goals against Mexico. It was his first professional start with a club or country since April 15.
The second half of the match became particularly irritating, with red cards handed out at minute 69, 71 and two at minute 85.
Sergino Dest of the United States pushes Gerardo Arteaga of Mexico during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinals soccer match on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Giovanni Reyna of the United States (7) and Jorge Sanchez of Mexico battle for a header during the first half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
In addition to the four red cards, a total of nine yellow cards were awarded to the players: four to the Americans and five to Mexico.
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Play was stopped at 90 minutes, due to homophobic chants, before the referee resumed action and signaled an additional 12 minutes of stoppage time.
Barton ended the match in the eighth minute added when the chants resumed.
Uriel Antuna of Mexico reacts after missing a shot on goal against the United States during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinals soccer match on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
With the victory, the US also extended its unbeaten streak against its southern neighbors to six (3 wins, 3 ties), matching the longest by the Americans, from 2011 to 2015.
The USMNT reached its fifth consecutive CONCACAF Nations League final. They will play against Canada, which defeated Panama 2-0.
Canada won their semifinal game despite having fewer shots on goal, fewer passes, and less possession of the ball than their opponents. A red card was given in the game to Eric Davis of Panama.
Players of the United States celebrate a goal by Christian Pulisic (10) against Mexico during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Callaghan said after the game that he did not agree with the contentious crowd.
«Regarding the chant, I want to make it very clear first and foremost that, because of our beliefs and our culture, it has no place in the game,» said the coach. «It has no place in our value system.»
McKennie and Dest are suspended for the final.
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Tim Weah, a 23-year-old forward for the USMNT, said his loss would be «definitely a blow.»
«It comes with the game. I know red cards are definitely a bummer, but they happen,» he said. «Aggressive match tonight.»
Added Callaghan: «He comes from a good place. They care so much for each other in that dressing room that they stick up for each other. Does he sometimes have a problem where we get a red card? Yes, but when you know where he’s coming from, you can accept it and it’s a learning lesson for us.»
Timothy Weah of the United States celebrates a Christian Pulisic goal against Mexico during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Christian Pulisic of the United States celebrates after scoring against Mexico during the first half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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The CONCACAF Nations League final will be played on June 18 at 8:30 pm ET.
Mexico and Panama will meet in the match for third place.
Associated Press contributed to this report.