Luke Stergiou
Senior Photographer
USMNT Beats Mexico for the First Time in Three years
On Sept. 11th, the United States Men’s National Team defeated their bitter rivals Mexico 1-0 for the first time in three years. After a rather disappointing result against Brazil on Sept. 7th, the U.S. were looking to make a statement against Mexico. With the team relatively unchanged from the previous game, this youthful U.S. team were looking to provide pressure early on to break down the young Mexican team.
The first half was relatively uneventful. Each team really didn’t create a lot of pressure or chances either. The U.S. still showed some defensive struggles, despite center back Matt Miazga leading the back line. Overall the defense showed some improvements from the last game. The first 45 minutes would go by quickly though, as nothing too noteworthy occured.
The second half proved to be a lot more eventful. The U.S. looked rejuvenated and applied lots of pressure to Mexico early on. This pressure would prove to be too much for the Mexican team as forward Ángel Zaldívar received a straight red card for his awful tackle on American captain and midfielder Will Trapp in the 67th minute, forcing the team go play with 10 men. Shortly after that, New York Red Bulls midfielder and youngster Tyler Adams would convert a great chance from Colorado Rapids forward Kellyn Acosta after a great build up in the 71st minute. Neither team would score again as the United States Men’s National team would beat Mexico 1-0, their first win against their rivals in three years.
Despite this youthful U.S. team showing incredible potential, there are still plenty of kinks to work out with this team. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen has practically cemented his place as first choice goalkeeper for many years to come. The defense, although having shown great potential with the variety of players on hand, still needs some work. Players like Matt Miazga, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Eric Lichaj have shown their talents but still need some work as a true unit in the back.
The midfield is definitely lacking a creative central midfielder, and it’s clear that Christian Pulisic’s absence is very notable. Will Trapp is a good player, but he doesn’t have the creative mindset and playing style of Pulisic. Even though the USMNT have a great variety of youthful attacking options, like Gyasi Zardes, Weston Mckennie and Timothy Weah, they are still lacking that creativity in the attacking third. So I hope to see Christian Pulisic heal from his injuries and return to the national team soon, as I feel he is absolutely integral to this U.S. team.
Luke Stergiou can be contacted at lstergiou@kscequinox.com
