Mexico gets their first-ever friendly win on U.S. soil versus Sam’s Army
Any time the Mexican National Team and the United States go head-to-head, most anticipate fireworks. Whether or not the game is an official match or merely a friendly, both teams want to beat their eternal rival. And as expected, the intensity of this edition of the CONCACAF Clasico lived up to the hype once again.
As surprising as it may sound, Mexico had never beaten the United States in a friendly on U.S. soil. In friendlies, the Mexican squad had not beaten their northern neighbors since October 1984 in Ciudad Neza.
El Tri started the game controlling the ball for the first ten minutes. The United States, however, took some of the possession back and made the first shot attempt of the game in the 12th minute that was easily saved by Jonathan Orozco.
As usual, Mexico came into this game with strong representation between the posts. Orozco proved that two minutes later by stopping the first dangerous threat of the game. A shot attempt from outside the box by Sergiño Dest.
The Stars and Stripes were enjoying a significant moment in the match, but Mexico ended that in the 21st minute on a play that started with Jesus Tecatito Corona making a tremendous nutmeg on Dest. Tecatito then made an excellent cross that finds a diving Javier Chicharito Hernadez who scored his 52nd goal on a header with the Mexican National team.
The goal changed the tide, and Gerardo Tata Martino’s team fully regained control. Mexico nearly extended the lead in the 32nd minute when Weston McKennie lost the ball to Charlie Rodriguez inside their 18-yard box. Rodriguez would then set up Tecatito wide-open in front of the goal but missed a clear opportunity by shooting the ball over the crossbar.
The U.S. continued to have a difficult time creating opportunities. You have to give Gregg Berhalter lots of credit for allowing several players including the youngster from Ajax Dest, to make their first-team debut.
Christian Pulisic and the Yanks came out of the lockers with the intent to get the game-tying goal and more. Pulisic, however, continued to show his frustration as the Mexicans continued to play extremely physical against him and didn’t allow him to exploit them with his speed.
Things got a little chippy early in the second half when Hector Herrera and Alfredo Morales exchanged pleasantries following a foul on Jorge Sanchez.
El Tri’s pressure on the United States was vital in tonight’s match. Berhalter’s men struggled most of the night trying to play out of their field, and Mexico’s pressure allowed to capitalize on the 78th minute.
Morales, who played a woeful match, lost the ball to Hector Herrera who was able to find Erick Gutierrez. El Guti then scored on a nice shot from right outside the box to give Tata’s men a 2-0 lead.
The U.S nearly put one on the board when Morales’ shot inside the 18-yard box hit the post. With Hirving El Chucky Lozano now in the game, he immediately made his presence felt. Chucky was able to take on several players and beautifully set up LA Galaxy forward Uriel Antuna who put it past Zack Steffen and seal the deal for the Mexicans.
The Americans had an opportunity to get one back after the referee signaled a penalty in their favor, but Orozco saved the shot from Joshua Sargent leaving the U.S. scoreless.
The result is a historic one for the Mexicans as they finally beat them in a friendly on U.S. soil. The Americans were expecting a tough game, but no one expected for Mexico to be so dominant. Up next El Tri will take on Argentina in San Antonio meanwhile the United States will host Uruguay as Berhalter will have chance to redeem themselves from one of their worst performances in recent memory.
