The U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team fell 1-0 to regional rivals Mexico on Wednesday night in the final round of group play in the 2021 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship.
Chicago Fire FC defender Mauricio Pineda got the start and played 90 minutes in central defense, earning his second full shift of the tournament’s group stage. Pineda was additionally included in head coach Jason Kreis’ first XI for the team’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica in the opening match of group play.
The Fire’s 2020 Defender of the Year provided one of the highlights of the first half, breaking up an open look in front of net from Mexico’s Alejandro Mayorga in the 27th minute.