Midfielder Orbelín Pineda scored a first half game-winner for Mexico in a 1-0 friendly victory over Turkey ahead of the Concacaf side’s summer run in the 2025 Gold Cup.
Played at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the exhibition kicked off with plenty of attacking pressure from Turkey’s starting XI that accumulated 12 shots within the initial 45 minutes.
In response, Mexico gradually increased its own attacking momentum, eventually earning a couple of dangerous opportunities before the end of the first half.
By the 45th minute, Pineda then made his mark after recovering a deflected touch from forward Julián Quiñones in the 18-yard box, thereby setting the AEK Athens player up to find the back of the net and open up the scoresheet.
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
Following the halftime break and with the introduction of substitutes such as Erik Lira, César Huerta, and Roberto Alvarado, Mexico appeared more confident going forward in Turkey’s end of the pitch.
Huerta, who was especially lively in his cameo appearance, nearly doubled the lead after hitting the woodwork during the 65th minute.
Despite late pressure from Turkey for an equalizer, the UEFA side was unable to get a shot past Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagón, who secured a shutout in a 1-0 result that was cemented by the final whistle.
With the win in hand, Mexico will now travel to Los Angeles for their Gold Cup opener vs. the Dominican Republic on June 14. Led by manager Javier Aguirre, El Tri are seeking back-to-back Gold Cup trophies after securing 2023’s title.
Turkey will head back to Europe, where they’ll prepare over the summer for an upcoming World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Sept. 4.