El Tri Tested in 3–2 Gold Cup Victory
Mexico team celebrate second goal with Raul Jimenez #9. Richard Morales - Total Footy Media
Match Summary
Mexico opened their 2025 Gold Cup campaign with a 3–2 victory over tournament newcomers Dominican Republic in a thrilling match at SoFi Stadium. While El Tri came in as heavy favorites, they were pushed to the edge by a Dominican side that showed grit, hunger, and moments of quality.
Despite Mexico taking a comfortable 2–0 lead early in the second half, the Caribbean side made things interesting with two goals of their own, keeping the game alive until the final whistle.
Edson Alvarez #4 Opens the account for Mexico with a Header. Juan Hernandez - Total Footy Media
First Half: Mexico Breaks Through Late
Mexico started with purpose, dominating possession and pushing numbers forward. The Dominican Republic held their shape well defensively and frustrated Mexico for most of the first half.
Just before the break, however, Mexico finally found the breakthrough:
44th Minute – Edson Álvarez
The captain rose high to meet a corner kick and sent a firm header into the net, giving Mexico a 1–0 lead going into halftime.
Raul Jimenez #9 after scoring the second goal. Richard Morales - Total Footy Media
Second Half: Fast Goals, Late Drama
The pace ramped up immediately after the break with a flurry of goals.
47th Minute – Raúl Jiménez
Just two minutes into the half, Jiménez doubled Mexico’s lead with a composed one-touch finish after being set up by Santiago Giménez.
But the Dominican Republic responded quickly and made history:
51st Minute – Peter González (DR)
González brought his team right back into the game with a brilliant solo goal—dribbling past a defender and finishing low. It marked the Dominican Republic’s first-ever goal in Gold Cup history.
Then came an unfortunate moment:
53′ – César Montes (Mexico)
Mexico’s centre-back extended the lead to 3–1 with a header following another corner — officially credited as Montes’ goal, not an own goal
Still, the Dominican Republic wasn’t done yet:
67th Minute – Edison Azcona (DR)
The substitute made an instant impact, cutting inside and curling a shot past Mexico’s keeper Angel Malagon, making it 3–2 and setting up a tense finish.
Javier Aguirre (Mexico Head Coach). Juan Hernandez - Total Footy Media
Tactical Notes
Mexico: Javier Aguirre’s squad played their usual possession-heavy style. They were dangerous on set pieces but looked vulnerable when pressed after scoring.
Dominican Republic: In their first Gold Cup appearance, the DR defended in numbers but showed they can counter quickly. Their second-half energy caught Mexico off guard.
Edson Alvarez #4 Juan Hernandez - Total Footy Media
Key Players
Edson Álvarez (Mexico) – Led by example with a goal and strong midfield control.
Peter González (Dominican Republic) – Made history and caused real problems with his dribbling.
Edison Azcona (Dominican Republic) – Came off the bench and changed the game with skill and energy.
Jorge Sanchez #2 Battling Possession against Edison Azcona #13 Juan Hernandez - Total Footy Media
Match Stats Overview
Possession: Mexico 72% – DR 28%
Shots on Target: Mexico 6 – DR 3
Corners: Mexico 7 – DR 2
Pass Accuracy: Mexico 89% – DR 72%
Edison Azcona with the Second Goal for DR. Juan Hernandez - Total Footy Media
Final Thoughts
Mexico got the win, but it wasn’t easy. They’ll need to tighten up defensively going forward. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic may have lost, but they gained plenty of respect with a fearless performance and two well-earned goals.
Mexico Starting XI vs Dominican Republic. Juan Hernandez - Total Footy Media
What’s Next?
Mexico vs. Suriname – June 18
Dominican Republic vs. Costa Rica – June 18