El Salvador blanks Guatemala in Gold Cup

Two late goals lifted El Salvador to a 2-0 win over Guatemala in a Group A match in the Gold Cup at Frisco, Texas.

Alex Roldan, who plays for the Seattle Sounders FC in MLS, scored in the 81st minute, and Joaquin Rivas iced the victory in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. Walmer Martinez made one save in shutting down Guatemala, which only entered the Gold Cup when Curacao was dropped on Friday due to a high number of COVID-19 cases.

El Salvador dominated the match, taking 21 shots to four for Guatemala, and leading in shots on goal, 6-1. It also led heavily in possession time 69% to 31%.

On Wednesday, El Salvador will take on Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala is to meet Mexico. Trinidad and Tobago played to a scoreless draw with favored Mexico on Saturday.