5 greatest USMNT moments under Jurgen Klinsmann

4. USA win at the Azteca in 2012

It’s hard to think of a greater home field advantage than the Estadio Azteca in Mexico. El Tri fans make their presence felt wherever they go, as they are some of the best traveling supporters in the world. But when Mexico play at home, and pack the 100,000-seat Azteca, they’re an even more daunting proposition. More often than not, opposing teams will play not to lose rather than to win, but in 2012, the US pulled off an unprecedented feat.

It was only a friendly, but winning at the Azteca in 2012 was something the USMNT had never done before, and something they’ve never done since (though they’ve only had one opportunity).

It was a thrilling game throughout, but the first goal didn’t come until the 80th minute. It was Mexican-American Michael Orozco who broke the deadlock, while Tim Howard made two clutch saves in the final minutes to preserve the shutout. Even though Klinsmann had just started coaching the national team, he knew the significance of that win. He utilized his substitutions to perfection, as Orozco and Brek Shea gave the Mexico defense fits before the first goal.

2012 has stood up as the best year in US soccer history. They beat Italy and Mexico on the road, while Klinsmann guided them to their best winning percentage ever, with a 9-3-2 record. Suddenly, all of the questions surrounding him when he was first appointed were gone, and with the World Cup looming, everyone was all in on Klinsmann.