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Ben Collins
BBC Sport journalist
Holders Mexico began their defence of the Gold Cup with a 3-2 win over the Dominican Republic on Saturday in Los Angeles, amid tensions over US president Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
There have been days of protests in LA against immigration raids, with Trump deploying the National Guard.
The Mexico team were forced to change hotels over security considerations and, on Friday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum urged US authorities not to conduct immigration enforcement targeting fans at Saturday’s game at the SoFi in Stadium in Inglewood.
On Saturday, protests continued elsewhere in LA, and in towns and cities across the US.
The city is also due to host the first of six Fifa Club World Cup matches to be played at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl over the next fortnight, with Paris St-Germain facing Atletico Madrid.
Mexico’s West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez headed in the opening goal just before half-time in Los Angeles.
Fulham striker Raul Jimenez converted his 40th international goal right after the break although Peter Gonzalez swiftly pulled a goal back for the Dominican Republic, who are making their tournament debut.
Defender Cesar Montes then deflected an Alvarez header past the Dominican goalkeeper to make it 3-1, before Edison Azcona scored with a deflected strike to leave Mexico holding on for a hard-fought win.
A crowd of 54,309 were in attendance at the SoFi Stadium, which has a capacity of about 70,000 for soccer games, with mostly Mexican fans.
The attendance for Mexico’s past three games at SoFi has averaged 63,760.
Mexico will play their next two group stage games in Arlington, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Gold Cup is the leading competition for national teams in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Related topics
Match ends, Mexico 3, Dominican Republic 2.
Second Half ends, Mexico 3, Dominican Republic 2.
Alexis Vega (Mexico) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Edison Azcona (Dominican Republic).
Jesús Gallardo (Mexico) is shown the yellow card.
Corner,Dominican Republic. Conceded by Luis Malagón.
Attempt saved. Luiyi de Lucas (Dominican Republic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Luis Malagón (Mexico). Assisted by Jean López.
Julián Quiñones (Mexico) is shown the yellow card.
Foul by Julián Quiñones (Mexico).
Edgar Pujol (Dominican Republic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Roberto Alvarado (Mexico).
Edison Azcona (Dominican Republic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt saved. Edison Azcona (Dominican Republic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Luis Malagón (Mexico). Assisted by Peter Federico with a cross.
Attempt missed. Jean López (Dominican Republic) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Edison Azcona.
Attempt blocked. Erick Paniagua (Dominican Republic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Jimmy Kaparos.
Foul by Carlos RodrÃguez (Mexico).
Ronaldo Vásquez (Dominican Republic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time.
Substitution, Dominican Republic. Juan Pineda replaces João Urbáez.
Attempt saved. Alexis Vega (Mexico) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Xavier Valdez (Dominican Republic). Assisted by César Huerta.
