HOUSTON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez struck late as Mexico recovered from a goal down to retain its CONCACAF Gold Cup crown with a 2-1 win over the United States on Sunday.

Chris Richards gave the United States the lead at NRG Stadium when his header bounced in off the underside of the bar following Sebastian Berhalter's floating free kick.

Raul Jimenez equalized just before the half-hour with a first-time strike into the top-left corner after Marcel Ruiz's clever pass.

Mexico completed the turnaround 13 minutes from time through Alvarez, who headed in after Johan Vasquez flicked on Alexis Vega's free kick from near the left touchline.

"I'm speechless, very happy because we've been working together as a group for 35 days, but in the end it was worth it because our desire was to win it," Alvarez said in a television interview after the match.

"We have our feet on the ground and we know there's a lot to work on, but there's nothing better than a title against this opponent."

It was Mexico's 10th Gold Cup title, cementing El Tri as the most successful team in the competition's history. The United States is second with seven. ■