A sixth minute wonder goal from Michael Bradley and rugged defending was enough for the US to come out of Estadio Azteca with a point on Sunday night.
USA earned a draw for just the third time in history on Mexican soil in World Cup Qualifying. The Americans have still yet to win a World Cup Qualifier at the majestic Estadio Azteca in their history.
USMNT Head Coach Bruce Arena will be pleased, though, with his team’s performance as it is never easy against Mexico. They are a team known for exceptional spacing and quickly moving the ball side to side searching for a through pass to penetrate the defense. El Tri saw plenty of the ball – controlling nearly 75 percent of possession – but were only able to score one goal off a lightning fast counter attack.
Many eyebrows were raised at Bruce Arena’s team selection; as well as the non-traditional 5-2-3 formation USA lined up in. After a mid-week match against Trinidad and Tobago – which the Americans won 2-0 – Arena shuffled up the lineup considerably. The new-look USA team had speed and athleticism all over the field which made it difficult for Mexico to get in behind. Arena’s calculated risk paid off as a frustrated Mexico side struggled to find space in between the USA defensive lines.
Committed team defense coupled with speed on the flanks and in midfield was enough to get USA over the line with a 1-1 result.
The invaluable point moves the United States up into third place of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying standings. However, with a game in hand over Costa Rica and Honduras, anything can still happen.
Up next for the Americans is a vital game against Costa Rica on September 1st. If USA can beat Costa Rica at home, then follow up with positive result in Honduras later that week, they will be sitting pretty to qualify for Russia 2018.
