Mexico has defeated the USA 1-0 to retain its CONCACAF Gold Cup title. The U.S. pressed hard for an equalizer throughout the second half, as the Mexicans were mostly content to defend and counter. Substitute Preki Radosavljevic had the best chance at tying the score, when Cobi Jones’ 53rd-minute cross bounced off of a sliding U.S. player in the box and fell to the 1997 MLS MVP, but his left-footed shot towards the open right corner rolled just wide. Eric Wynalda had a driven, low shot from the left side of the box blocked by Mexican keeper Oscar Perez. The sterling play of the tournament’s co-leading scorer Luis Hernandez (tied with Costa Rica’s Paulo Wanchope) nearly netted more for Mexico. In the 61st minute, he exploited a miscommunication between Kasey Keller and Eddie Pope at the top of the box to run between the Americans and loft a soft lob towards the open goal, but the shot rolled just wide. In the 83rd minute,, a fine run by Hernandez resulted in a blast from an unmarked Blanco from the left side of the area that rebounded off of the charging Keller’s shoulder. After settling the rebound, another shot was struck, but Keller recovered to make a fine diving save. With the win, Mexico qualifies for the FIFA Confederations Cup and the 1999 Copa America. U.S. coach Steve Sampson has said that the U.S. has received an invitation to the Copa America and will accept. U.S. keeper Kasey Keller was named the tournament MVP. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak and a nine-game unbeaten streak for the U.S. A game summary will be posted shortly.