Cristian Roldan is coming home a champion.
The Seattle Sounders midfielder has been away with the United States Men's National Team at the Concacaf Gold Cup for the past month. After registering the game-winning assist against Jamaica in the quarterfinal and impressing as a substitute in the semifinal win over Qatar, Roldan once again reprised his role as a super sub in the final against Mexico.
Roldan entered the match with the score deadlocked at 0-0 in the 65th minute for LA Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget. The Sounders midfielder made an instant impact, whipping in a dangerous cross that winger Matthew Hoppe was mere inches from steering home for the opener. Roldan supplied his usual blend of tenacity and direct play as the United States pushed for a winner in regulation before the match ultimately went to extra time.
With the game opening up, Roldan helped create a few chances for the USMNT with quality passes into the box. The decisive goal finally came in the 116th minute as center back Miles Robinson rose above his mark on a set piece and nodded in the winner past the Mexican goalkeeper. It was the first time the Stars & Stripes had won the Gold Cup since 2017, when Jordan Morris scored in the 89th minute of the final to beat Jamaica 2-1.
Sunday night's victory over Mexico marks the second trophy for the United States Men's National Team program this summer, including the thrilling 3-2 extra time win over Mexico in the Nations League Final back on June 6.
