USA vs. Mexico Recap

Hi! We’re the Red, White and Blues Brothers and this is our color-coded U.S. Soccer blog. Chip writes in red and Danny writes in blue. We cheer for the U.S. and you better too! 

On Tuesday, March 26, our U.S. National Team traveled to Mexico City for Matchday #3 in the the final round of World Cup Qualifying. Here's our recap...

We are not Irish, but I must say we had some luck on our side Tuesday night in Azteca. Even an earthquake could not deter our determined lads. I felt like we controlled and possessed the ball fairly well, especially for a young team. However, we made a few mistakes again and could have easily paid for it, but luckily Mexico wasn't up to the task. We got away with a couple of calls, BUT every game and every team gets away with a call or two. I felt the ref did a good job. Mexico had plenty of opportunities in front of the net that they just missed, plain and simple. If they would have spent more time and energy on focusing on the goal instead of whining and rolling all over the ground like they got run over by a steam engine, then they probably would have won.

I personally like watching Mexico play. I know they’re our big rival, but they are a good team and they play an exciting style of soccer. But it is really hard to respect a team that dives so much and flops around like they were just body slammed by The Crusher. And I agree with you Chip about Mexico and their missed opportunities. They couldn’t find the net if they were a fish under a tuna boat. They completely outplayed us but only 3 of Mexico’s 17 sots were on goal.

A point is a point they say and I agree for the most part. Just curious… when is a point not a point? I really did want 3 points, and I now have some respect for Jurgen as he appeared to want 3 as well. He made some late subs that suggested he wasn't playing for a tie. He wanted a goal and a win. I LOVED it! It didn't work out of course, but I was happy to see his effort.

At that point I was thinking that Jurgen was on crack. That thin air at 7200 feet was probably influencing those decisions. He’s bringing in forwards when Mexico was putting big pressure on our defense. It felt like the whole game was played on our side of the field.

I know Jozy was upset when he came out, but really we had NO shots on goal at that point! How could Jozy possibly complain? He really needs to play harder and with more direct effort in my opinion. Of course, he didn't get a whole lot of help from his mates. Still, if he is the main forward, he should be attacking! Jozy and Bradley had the only real challenge of the first half that I saw and Mexico broke it up easy enough without us even getting a shot off. It is a little concerning to me that we didn't get more chances, but it is Mexico and high altitude and all that jazz. I will be curious to see how we progress in the next few games and if Jozy will come out with FIRE in his pants to prove himself worthy, or sulk in a corner? I am hoping for the FIRE! I think he can be a great goal scorer on the international level. I would like him to be a great soccer player along with that!

I was extremely impressed with Brad Guzan! He was confident and outstanding! I dare say he may be a better keeper than Tim Howard at this point, and that is saying something! I wouldn't say there is a keeper controversy, but I wouldn't knock Jurgen if he continued to play Guzan after Howard gets healthy. Trying to make THAT decision just might be the biggest challenge for him as a coach.

Guzan did a fine job and it’s great he got a few big games under his belt this time around but I don’t think he was really tested all that much. He was selected as Budweiser’s Man of the Match. I do think he was deserving of this, to be able to keep his composure and direct the defense while they were getting bombarded late in the game. I was watching the Spanish broadcast and they selected Bradley as their player of the game. Too much of the time I saw our guys standing around on defense during Mexico’s set plays. This is unacceptable! Mexican attackers were left wide open on more than one occasion. I think Graham Zusi deserves special mention for making that 30-yard run back towards our goal to break up a scoring chance. Our defensive backs really seemed to read the game well and they stepped up to break up several more potential Mexican attacks.

Beasley did OK, but I think we need him on the left side at midfield and we need to find a true defender for the left back. Of course, I don't know if there is one to be had out there and we may have to live on the edge with him. I do love a good Aerosmith song, so that might not be so bad. Again, time will tell.... as is the case for a big part of this team! With youth comes growth, we hope!!

And speaking of youth, they might have to carry us through some of the games in the hex. We now have 7 U.S. players carrying a yellow card. Fortunately, the three that were handed out on Tuesday were not to any of the players already carrying one. It’s almost inevitable that there will be some yellow card suspensions served by the U.S. later this summer.

After 3 of the 10 games each team will play in this Hexagonal round, here are the standings

1. PANAMA 1-0-2,  5pts
2. HONDURAS 1-1-1,  4pts

3. USA 1-1-1,  4 pts
4. Costa Rica 1-1-1, 4 pts
5. Mexico 0-0-3,  3pts

6. Jamaica 0-1-2, 2pts

I also must say I think I like the kits. They are a little simple, but that gives them a "classic" look and feel to me. I will take ALL WHITE over all black ANY day!!
Nice!!

Go USA!!!!!