USA vs. Mexico final score: El Tri falls again 2-0, ‘dos a cero’
By Mike Dyce
Jul 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; USA forward Landon Donovan (10) claps to the crowd after the game against Honduras at Cowboys Stadium. USA beat Honduras 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The United States hosted Mexico in a World Cup qualifying match in Columbus, Ohio. The United States are looking to rebound after a tough loss to Costa Rica Friday night, that had them drop from the top of the CONCACAF table. Mexico fired their manager and are looking to make a statement and reverse their trend of sluggish play.
Early on in the game it looked like Mexico was inspired by the change of leadership. They applied a lot of pressure early and got a corner kick. They were unable to convert as goal keeper Tim Howard caught the incoming cross.
Clint Dempsey led the charge for the USMNT taking several shots and setting up a few opportunities. In the 30th minute on a corner kick from Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson elevated and sent a header towards the goal. The Mexican keeper made a miraculous and incredible save though.
The US’s Alejandro Bedoya took down a player right before the end of the first half and was handed a yellow card.
The first half was a back and forth between the two teams. The U.S. weathered the storm and by the end of the half had taken the lead in possession. Mexico had more shots though.
Earlier in the second half the USMNT got another set piece and Eddie Johnson was able to head this one home. That goal early in the half helped change the tone of the game for the USMNT. Eddie Johnson went down in the 62nd minute and was examined for a concussion and was later substituted out of the game.
In the 77th minute Landon Donovan tapped in a cross after a throw-in for a goal to give the USMNT’s 2-0 lead. Clint Dempsey got a late penalty in stoppage time that sent him to the spot but he missed the kick.
When the game ended it appeared as if the American men had punched their ticket to the World Cup. They needed Honduras to beat or tie Panama and they were beating Panama 1 nothing at the half when the American game ended.