Mexico Stuns The United States 3-2

Back at the scene of its last triumph, Mexico secured its first win over the United States in four years and a place in the 2017 Confederations Cup thanks to a dramatic late extra-time victor from Paul Aguilar in front 93,000 fans at a sold-out Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. While Klinsmann supporters could point to the addition of Bobby Wood as something that he did right tactically it should also be noted that Jurgen’s constant inclusion of an out of form Jozy Altidore has been to the detriment of U.S. Soccer. I think we had eight minutes left. “So there will be a lot of conversations coming up in the next couple of days”. One ticket punched to the 2017 Confederation’s Cup.

“Obviously it was a bummer to see the Olympic team not win today as well”, said Klinsmann, who had never lost to Mexico as a German player or a US coach.

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scored his first ever goal against the USMNT, putting El Tri up 1-0 in the tenth minute. “The Copa America Centenario is next summer and we’ll have a few nails if you need them after that’s over and done with, but maybe you won’t?” To even the most casual observer, their goals are obvious: grow the popularity of the game domestically, develop the grass roots talent pipeline that has been so rich for so many other American sports, get rid of the inferiority complex surrounding the program, and winning the respect of the broader footballing world by competing (and succeeding) in as many tournaments at as many age levels as possible. “So over the course of the game, that means that they’re able to pin us back”.

And the emotions of the heated rivalry boiled over in the 34th minute after Peralta’s cleats and the ball arrived in US keeper Brad Guzan’s midsection at the same time.

Guzan had no trouble grabbing a looping Hernandez header at the right post in the 29th, and Peralta sharply nodded wide from Aguilar’s cross in the 37th. Aguilar cushioned a long ball over the top from Hector Herrera back to Peralta, who dropped off from Cameron and Fabian Johnson and scored from the penalty spot. In the 118 minute, however, Raul Jimenez lifted the ball to Aguilar, who tagged a ferocious angled volley past Guzan.

“What we didn’t do well during the second half was simply to keep the ball”, Klinsmann said.

Following a hard period, in which Mexico barely squeaked into the World Cup and cycled through five managers in just two years, its crisis is now over.

Former Sounder DeAndre Yedlin provided valuable minutes as a substitute, including the game-tying assist in the 108 minute as he played through to Bobby Wood before Wood’s composed finish through the legs of keeper Moisés Muñoz to knot at 2.

He hasn’t thrilled in player selection, but he’s mostly used the best ingredients available to him to make wildly inconsistent meals.

Klinsmann had one more sub to make – and an idea.

Aguilar’s goal was a crackerjack display of skill and athleticism – areas where Mexico still appears to trump the U.S.

Sporting KC captain Matt Besler started the match and played 120 minutes for his 27th cap for the U.S. MNT.

While Peralta continued his off-the-ball run unhindered, Jimenez touched the ball ahead to Peralta undetected on the right side of the penalty area for a two on one in tight quarters. The grade gets dragged down a small amount by a turnover/foul and missed slip pass opportunity in the second half.