Published 6/25/2011 11:47:13 PM by Shane Barrow from soccermogul

Mexico rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win the 2011 Gold Cup defeating the USA 4-2 at a sold out Rose Bowl in California.  The win gives Mexico an invitation to the Confederations Cup in Brazil prior to the 2014 World Cup.

Well a defensive substitution sent the US on their way early in the tournament and a defensive substitution would be their undoing in the final.  Early in the Gold Cup Coach Bob Bradley made changes and overhauled the US defense.  The move was influential as the US reeled off 3 straight shutouts.  Saturday at the Rose Bowl it would be another defensive move that worked the exact opposite.

An early injury to rightback Steve Cherundolo forced Bradley into a major move.  The US was up 2-0 at that point and the game would change dramatically as Jonathan Bornstein came into the match on the left back forcing Eric Lichaj to slide to the right.  From there it was all Mexico down the American left. Giovani Dos Santos ran wild and all four of Mexico's goals came down the US left.

It looked like the day would belong to the US though as they raced out 2-0 leaders.  A wonderful nearpost header from Michael Bradley put the US in front and minutes later Landon Donovan worked his magic firing a left footed strike home.  Then came the injury and the substitution.

Mexico would strike within minutes as a longball caught sub Bornstein out of position allowing Pablo Barrera to race in and score.  The game was tied before the half when Giovani Dos Santos cut in from the left side, touching the ball inside past Bornstein before ripping a low shot.  There was a scramble for the rebound in front of goal where Guardado tapped home.

The second half saw Mexico grab the lead in the 49th minute. Once again down the US left as Berrara would notch his 2nd goal of the night firing a nice right footed shot past Tim Howard.  

It looked like we were in for a great finish as the US pushed for the tying goal.  Clint Dempsey was unlucky not to score, but had to watch as his shot rang off the woodwork.  Michael Bradley nearly had his 2nd of the night but his shot whizzed just wide.  The US looked destined to score.....then Giovani Dos Santos worked a bit of magic.

A nice ball sent Dos Santos deep into the penalty area where Tim Howard flew out to meet him.  Dos Santos turned away from Howard and with some deft touches got away from the American keeper.  Then he sent a world-class chip into the far top corner of the net.  Game over and the 2011 Gold Cup title to Mexico.

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