Entering this Gold Cup having lost four consecutive matches for the first time in nearly two decades, the USMNT reeled off five straight wins to reach Sunday’s final. More importantly, they showed resilience, character and pride — qualities that have been missing all too often since the 2022 World Cup.

The Americans grabbed an early lead, but Mexico responded and then scored the winner in the 77th minute to prevail, 2-1, at raucous NRG Stadium.

There were plenty of difficult lessons for the USMNT in the Gold Cup final loss to Mexico on Sunday. How Mauricio Pochettino & Co. respond will be telling.