Mexico wins CONCACAF Gold Cup group after 0-0 draw against Costa Rica

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mexico tied Costa Rica 0-0 on Sunday night to win Group A of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and will play Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals.

Mexico's Santiago Giménez appeared to score on a bicycle kick in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time but the goal was disallowed by Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar following a video review.

Giménez appeared to be offside when Luis Chávez lofted the ball into the penalty area after exchanging taps with Carlos Rodríguez on a free kick. Orlando Galo's headed clearance attempt went in front of the goal to Giménez, who overhead kick beat goalkeeper Keylor Navas, plus-three to plus-two.

Mexico, unbeaten in 10 Gold Cup matches against Costa Rica, finished even with the Ticos at seven points but won the group on goal difference.

“We’re growing, although not at the speed I’d like,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. “It was a good game for us that didn’t end with a victory. We’re happy with the performance. I have nothing to reproach my players for.”

El Tri, which defeated the Dominican Republic and Suriname in their first two matches, will play Saudi Arabia on Saturday at Glendale, Arizona, while the Costa Ricans will face the United States the following day in Minneapolis.

Costa Rica will be missing four regular starters. Forward Manfred Ugalde, who has three goals in the tournament, and midfielder Carlos Mora are suspended for yellow-card accumulation. Defender Ariel Lassiter has a fractured left hand and forward Warren Madrigal a broken left leg.

“It was a difficult match, we said so beforehand. It was very close, and we knew it would be that way,," Costa Rica coach Miguel Herrera said. "We still have things to fix, but we have a very good team, for me the best in the region.”

Ugalde, assessed a yellow card against the Dominican Republic, received another yellow in the 83rd for charging into Rodríguez and elbowing him near the center circle. The two yellows result in a one-game suspension.

Mexico had 70% possession and had a 13-5 advantage in shots, including 4-0 in shots on target.

Costa Rica's Alonso Martínez put a 25-yard shot off the crossbar while falling in the 67th.

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Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre, right, and Costa Rica Miguel Herrera embrace before a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

A Mexico fan holds up a flag before a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match between Mexico and Costa Rica, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mexico's Alexis Vega, left, kicks the ball away from Costa Rica's Orlando Galo during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas grabs the ball out of the air against Mexico during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Costa Rica's Orlando Galo tackles Mexico's Jorge Sanchez during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

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FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)