After slightly getting sunburned during the first game between Panama and Canada, it was time for me to head out and fully cook myself during the second game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup double header between Martinique and Mexico.  I learned quite a bit about Martinique leading up to the game.  I knew it was in the Caribbean, but I did not know it was part of France.  It is in the European Union, the National Anthem is the French National Anthem, and their flag is the National Flag of France.  What I think is weird is that the actual country logo for Martinique (when they are not using the French Flag) looks like a drug company logo…just odd.

Where there were very few fans at the first game, the stadium started to fill up with the local Denver Latino residents coming to cheer on Mexico.  Over 25,000 people showed up for this game, and it would get loud.  Mexico jumped on the board first with a goal in the 20th minute and a second goal in the 33rd minute.  Martinique would find the back of the net in the 42nd minute off of a penalty kick.  Mexico took a 2-1 lead into the locker room at half.  I decided to stick with Mexico for the second half and moved to the other side of the field.  Mexico added another goal in the 89th minute to win the game 3-1.

It was a lot more exciting than the first game, but honestly, after watching my skin burn, I was ready for the day to be over.

All photos are available for media use only through Icon Sports Media.

This first shot is not anything super special.  I just really enjoyed the fact that I got the ball, the offensive player (Fabian) and the Martinique goalkeeper coming out to meet him.

This shot I really like for Martinique’s Linord (8) and the angle he is at while trying to protect the ball.

I got very few great goalie shots during the two games, but this is one I liked a lot.

This one I actually have a whole series leading up to it.  Peña was bringing the ball up the field on a break, and was preparing for a shot on goal, when Olimpa charged out to meet him and dove onto the ball, resulting in this picture.  It looks like Peña is kicking Olimpa in the head, but in reality, he was kicking the ball.

Lots of long balls in this game made for a lot of one on one sprints.

My favorite shot of the two games.  Arnolin was measuring up this ball for what felt like an eternity.  It had been a very high kick, so it gave me plenty of time to lock in on him.  Getting the ball on his head, and his expression makes this shot for me.

Mexico was really giving it to Martinique all game, almost toying with them at times.  The shot bellow is a pass that ended in a rocket shot that went wide of the goal, but it was so hard I could hear it when it went by.

Another great chase down photos.  There was something about the lighting here as opposed to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park that I really liked.

The next two shots are in a series, off of a corner kick by Mexico.  I love how Orozco is airborne in the first, and in the second how he fully extended to try and throw the ball with his head.

It was a fun day, but I am glad it is over.  Next up, Rapids game Wednesday night.