The semi-final in the North American Nations League between the United States and Mexico was overshadowed by four red and nine yellow cards. Both soccer teams finished the match, eventually the USA won (3-0), with 9 players.
Twenty minutes before the end and with the score 2–0, the first red card went to Mexican defender Cesar Montes after a kick against American debutant Fowler Balogun. American player Weston McKenney was then red carded for his continuing role in the chaos.
Substitute Pepy then scored the third goal, followed by two more cards in the 85th minute. They were for Mexico’s Gerardo Arteaga and former Ajax player Sergino Test. After another great fight they were driven out.
Ultimately, the match was abandoned in the final minutes due to homophobic chants from Mexico supporters. Objects and drinks were also thrown from the stands onto the field. The referee was sent off with half of the game remaining in the 12 minutes of stoppage time announced.
The victory qualified the USA soccer players for the final of the Concacaf Nations League where they will face Canada. The Canadians beat Panama 2-0.
Pulisic was satisfied with the result but frustrated with the way things were going. “It’s a great score for us, it’s a big win, we’re in the final,” Pulisic said. “But the game really shouldn’t have ended in this madness.”
The CONCACAF Nations League is the counterpart of the UEFA Nations League and is for countries in the so-called CONCACAF region (North America, Central America and the Caribbean).