HOUSTON -- United States coach Maurico Pochettino stated his team had learned "priceless" lessons despite a "painful" 2-1 loss to rivals Mexico during Sunday's Gold Cup final.
The Americans took a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute at a sold out NRG Stadium thanks to a header from Chris Richards, before allowing two goals from Mexico through Ral Jimnez in the 27th minute and a game-winner from Edson lvarez in the 77th minute.
"It's a massive lesson for us, I think it's priceless," Pochettino said after the match. "I think it was an amazing tournament to realize in the way that we wanted to grow...[but it's also] a night that is a very, very painful night, because when you lose a trophy, or you lose a game, it's really, really painful.
"But the most important thing is to have our heads up."
During the post-game media availability, the Argentine coach also shared his frustrations with a non-penalty in the second half after a ball landed under Mexico fullback Jorge Sanchez's palm while falling to the ground.
"The truth was that if that happened in the opposite half, in the other box, for sure it's a penalty," Pochettino said. "The player was with a knee on the floor, he pushed the hand over the ball. It's not that the hand was [already] on the floor, and the ball touched.
"For me, it was embarrassing to see that situation and it's a shame. I understand that maybe 70,000 people [in the stands], you know, giving this penalty, it's not easy."
Regarding the majority Mexico crowd in Houston, the U.S. coach also pleaded for more support in stands ahead of the World Cup that the U.S. will co-host next year with Mexico and Canada.
"I think we need the people. We need the fans. The fans have one year to realize how important are the fans in soccer," said Pochettino. "How important are the fans to be in the stadium, to stay with the team, to support, not only through Instagram, social media or through behind the team. It's to be here and translate the energy."
On the winning side in Houston, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was thrilled, and admittedly tired, after helping El Tri win their 10th Gold Cup title.
"It gives us confidence, it gives us energy for the future, for what's coming," said Aguirre, who also coach Mexico to the Nations League title earlier this year. "There's no more official matches, only friendlies, and we need to continue looking for players for the World Cup."
The U.S. has won the Gold Cup seven times to Mexico's 10, and the two teams have won a combined 16 out of the last 17, with El Tri successfully defending the trophy it won over Panama in the 2023 final.
