U.S. Soccer’s Behind the Crest series for the 2025 Gold Cup concludes with a look at the knockout stage. The tournament ended with the USMNT’s 2-1 loss to Mexico in the final. Afterwards, Coach Mauricio Pochettino, in tears, addressed the team: “We deserved more. And in the way that you worked, the staff, everyone, I think deserved more, to lift the trophy. The performance was there, I think you fought with too many adversities, too many factors against you. This is not going to kill you. It is going to make you stronger. I want you to never give up. I think we still have time to be better and better, keep improving, but please don’t change.”

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Paul Kennedy is the Editor in Chief & General Manager of Soccer America.