CONCACAF Gold Cup: Mexico win Gold Cup, defeat Reggae Boyz 3-1

Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (R) knocks the ball away from Jamaica’s Adrian Mariappa during the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup final between Jamaica and Mexico in Philadelphia on July 26, 2015. AFP PHOTO/DON EMMERT

PHILADELPHIA, USA — Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz surrendered to Mexico 3-1 in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Lincoln Financial Field here today, giving the Central American their seventh title.

Mexico captain Andres Gaurdado opened the scoring in the 31st minute, with follow-up goals from Jesus Corona (47th) and Oribe Peralta (61st) to break Jamaican hearts.

Substitute Darren Mattocks, a scorer in the 2-1 semi-final win against the USA in Atlanta last Wednesday, restored Jamaican pride with an individual goal in the 80th minute.

Jamaica made a confident start to the contest, spreading the Mexicans thin by using the flanks to good effect, but the Central Americans got into their slick-passing game and it was finished as a contest.

Mexico will collect US$1 million for lifting the crown, while Jamaica will pocket US$500,000 for being runners-up.

Jamaica had created history becoming the first Caribbean team to contest the Gold Cup final.

Sean Williams