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01/22 22:07 CST American-born players help Mexico break winless streak with 1-0
victory over Panama
American-born players help Mexico break winless streak with 1-0 victory over
Panama
PANAMA CITY, Panama (AP) --- American-born players Richy Ledezma and Brian
Gutirrez made their debuts and helped the Mexican national team break a
six-match winless streak with a 1-0 win over Panama in a warmup match Thursday
for this year's World Cup.
Defender Richard Peralta scored an own goal in the 92nd minute to give Mexico
its first win since last July, when it beat the United States in the Gold Cup
final.
Ledezma, who was born in Phoenix to Mexican parents, made the one-time switch
with FIFA after playing official matches with the United States. He started the
match and played all 90 minutes.
Gutierrez, who was born in Berwyn, Illinois, did not have to apply for a
country switch because he only played friendlies for the U.S. against Venezuela
and Costa Rica in January 2025.
"Those were good minutes, I'm taking it one step at a time and now I'll
continue to grow," Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez, who also was a starter and left the match in the 57th minute, was
also on the CONCACAF Nations League roster last March but never got into a game.
Obed Vargas, who was born in Anchorage, Alaska, also was a starter for Mexico.
"Those three guys that were born in the United States and decided to play for
Mexico, and for that reason alone they deserve my respect," said Mexico's coach
Javier Aguirre. "The three started off well, they're kids with a future, I'm
happy."
Vargas, a midfielder, earned his first cap with the Mexico senior team in
October 2024 with a substitute appearance against the United States in a 2-0
victory.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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