Best goals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup

The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup is completed, with Mexico triumphing over the United States in the final, 1-0. This edition of the tournament saw the field expand from 12 to 16 teams, providing more opportunities for fantastic goals. As expected, the players delivered a bevy of long-range finishes, penetrating assists, and collaborative team play.

Frantzdy Pierrot, Haiti — June 16th vs. Bermuda

Les Grenadiers put on a show at the Gold Cup, demonstrating true attacking flair on their way to the semifinals. This well-designed set piece involved some fantastic acting by the two potential takers, a perfectly played cross, and a solid header from Pierrot. It’s rare to see a national team pull off this level of trickery due to the practice routines require and the less technical nature of the international game, but the conversion speaks to the cohesion of this group of players.

Celso Borges, Costa Rica — June 16th vs. Nicaragua

There were a lot of impressive goals from outside the box, including this finish. Borges’ shot was a perfectly controlled drive, with little movement and barely rising a few feet off the ground. Los Ticos had a rough knockout draw at the Gold Cup, coming up just short of defeating Mexico in the quarterfinals, but this is a goal to remember.

Gabriel Torres, Panama — June 22nd vs. Guyana

This wasn’t the most challenging goal that Panama has ever scored, but it features a crafty pass from Alberto Quintero. The Universitario midfielder played the ball to a wide open Torres, who headed past the rooted Guyanese goalkeeper.

Gyasi Zardes, United States — June 22nd vs. Trinidad and Tobago

It wasn’t the finish that was overly impressive, but the lead up. Michael Bradley played the ball to a marauding Nick Lima, who headed a cross directly into the path of Zardes. It was the second goal in the narrative-driven 6-0 destruction of Trinidad and Tobago.

Lucas Cavallini, Canada — June 23rd vs. Cuba

Routs tend to not lend themselves to attractive goals, but Cavallini provided a nifty finish in Canada’s 7-0 victory over Cuba. The Puebla attacker was able to beat the defender to Jonathan David’s cross and redirect the ball past the goalkeeper.

Kévin Parsemain, Martinique — June 23rd vs. Mexico

Martinique entered the Gold Cup with high hopes of advancing to knockout rounds, but fell just short in a tough group with Mexico and Canada. In the final match of Group A, Parsemain delivered a perfectly placed free kick to level the score with El Tri.

Jurien Gaari, Curaçao — June 25th vs. Jamaica

Curaçao entered the final match of group play needing a result against Jamaica (and some help from Honduras). Down 1-0 in stoppage time, Gaari played the hero, netting an effort from distance. It was the right back’s first international goal, and he certainly picked the right moment for it.

Jorge Alvarez, Honduras — June 25th vs. El Salvador

It was a disappointing tournament for Honduras, but the side was able to put together a 4-0 dismantling of El Salvador in the final match of Group C. Alvarez opened the scoring in the 59^th minute with a curling effort from just outside the box.

Neil Danns, Guyana — June 26th vs. Trinidad and Tobago

It was the first Gold Cup for the Golden Jaguars, who made a positive showing that included a draw in their final match against Trinidad and Tobago. Neil Danns opened the scoring by cutting inside from the left and drilling his shot into the roof of the net.

Jozy Altidore, United States — June 26th vs. Panama

Whether it was a bicycle kick or merely a very acrobatic volley, Altidore’s winner against Panama in the USMNT’s final match of group play is worthy of a second look. He took advantage of a loose ball in the box off a corner kick, displaying his trademark target man abilities and athleticism.

Wilde-Donald Guerrier, Haiti — June 29th vs. Canada

This game-winner pushed Haiti into the semifinal after a furious comeback. Tied at 2-2, Duckens Nazon slalomed past two defenders, drew the attention of the defense, and hit a sublime pass into Guerrier. However, there was more work to be done, as the Qarabağ player had to juggle and maneuver past the Canadian goalkeeper before slotting the ball home.

Weston McKennie, United States — July 3rd vs. Jamaica

It was a standout tournament for the Schalke midfielder, who looked very impressive on the attack. This goal helped propel the USMNT into the final, and featured all the signature elements of a team effort. Michael Bradley played an inch-perfect pass, Reggie Cannon volleyed a cross into the box, and Jozy Altidore touched the ball into the path of McKennie, who finished with aplomb.

Jonathan dos Santos, Mexico — July 7th vs. United States

It may not be the best goal to watch for American fans, but a cup clincher always merits inclusion in a “best of” list. Striker Raúl Jiménez, normally responsible for capping things off, smartly played a backheeled pass to do Santos. The LA Galaxy midfielder hit a perfect shot off the crossbar and into the net, winning Mexico its eighth Gold Cup.

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What was your favorite goal from the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup? Did you enjoy one not on this list? Sound off in the comment section.