Pineda sealed the win for Javier Aguirre’s side with a 45th-minute strike
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from loss vs. Switzerland in win vs. TurkeyThe Dominican Republic will be their first opponentThe match will take place at SoFi StadiumFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
Mexico wrapped up their Gold Cup preparations with a 1-0 victory over Turkey, though the win left lingering doubts – particularly in defense, a line that continues to look like weakest position group under coach Javier Aguirre.
Despite a lackluster first half in which Mexico was largely outplayed, it was Orbelín Pineda who broke the deadlock right before halftime, scoring in the 45th minute to give Mexico a lead they would hold onto. In the second half, Turkey – led by Real Madrid star Arda Güler – pushed forward aggressively in search of an equalizer, but failed to create clear chances that truly threatened Luis Ángel Malagón’s goal.
Aguirre fielded a lineup that closely resembles the one expected to start against the Dominican Republic on Saturday. Malagón, who has firmly claimed the starting goalkeeper spot, was behind the central pairing of Israel Reyes and César Montes. Johan Vásquez missed out once again due to injury, and it remains uncertain whether he’ll be fit in time to start alongside Montes.
Jesús Gallardo featured as the left back and is expected to retain his spot, while Jorge Sánchez started on the right and could also be part of the opening XI. In midfield, Pineda was joined by Edson Álvarez, Marcel Ruiz, and Alexis Vega. Up front, Julián Quiñones and Ángel Sepúlveda led the line in the first half before being replaced by Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez – both of whom are strong candidates to start the tournament opener.
Erik Lira and Luis Chávez are also in contention for a starting role in midfield, and Aguirre will use the remaining days to finalize his lineup for Saturday’s match against the Caribbean side.
Turkey, despite the result, were dominant at times, retaining 58.2 percent of possession, having 10 corners to zero on Mexico's side and also leading El Tri on touches with 17 to just six. But in the end, it was Pineda's shot that would be the difference.
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Mexico will be changing their hotel in Los Angeles ahead of the team's Gold Cup debut this Saturday, due to safety concerns following recent protests sparked by immigration raids across the city. Team spokesperson Fernando Schwartz confirmed the decision.
The squad had initially planned to stay in a downtown Los Angeles hotel. However, after assessing the situation, CONCACAF approved a relocation to a different hotel, whose exact location has not been disclosed for security reasons.
The protests began on Friday after federal immigration agents arrested 40 individuals in various parts of the city. Tensions escalated on Sunday when demonstrators blocked a major freeway, and several vehicles were reported set on fire.
Getty Images SportTHE MVP
Pineda was Mexico’s most active player in attack, and his efforts were rewarded with a goal in the 45th minute, beating goalkeeper Berke Özer. The AEK Athens midfielder had already sent a warning shot in the 24th minute, scoring off a rebound after Julián Quiñones hit the crossbar, though the play was ruled offside.
Pineda put in a solid 62-minute performance at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., likely leaving a strong impression on Aguirre. The former Chivas and Cruz Azul player appears to be a serious candidate for a starting spot in Saturday’s Gold Cup opener against the Dominican Republic. Even if he doesn't make the starting XI, he's expected to be one of Aguirre’s first options off the bench in the second half.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
It’s hard to single out a clear loser in a match that lacked clear scoring chances. Turkey showed flashes of their technical quality but rarely posed a real threat to Luis Ángel Malagón’s goal. Julián Quiñones hit the crossbar and was involved in Mexico’s goal, yet extended his goalless streak with to seven matches.
Despite his strong form at the club level with Al Qadsiah, the Colombian-born forward has yet to meet expectations with the national team. This latest performance may have moved him closer to a bench role than to securing a guaranteed spot in Aguirre’s starting lineup.
Still, it’s not time to hit the panic button – at least, not yet.
