What We Learned: U.S. Vs. Mexico World Cup Qualifier

The U.S. Men’s National Team got out of Estadio Azteca with a draw against Mexico last night.  Mexico had the better chances, but the U.S. did not look shaken.  The odds were against the USMNT, but they were confident coming in and it showed for most players on the pitch.  There are many aspects of the match that could be analyzed including two calls that went in the favor of the U.S.  This is what we are talking about at the water cooler this morning.

Mar 26, 2013; Mexico City, Mexico; United States players pose before a World Cup qualifying match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca. Front row (from left): Graham Zusi (19) , DaMarcus Beasley (7) , Herculez Gomez (9) , Jozy Altidore (17). Back row: Clint Dempsey (8) , Omar Gonzalez (3) , Maurice Edu (6) , Matt Besler (14) , Geoff Cameron (20) , Brad Guznan (1) and Michael Bradley (4). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The defense performed admirably. 

The biggest question of the match, especially after the starting line ups were announced, was how would the back four hold up against the Mexican attack.  Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez played very well.  Gonzalez was the man of the match in the eyes of many.  They won the aerial battles and their positioning was excellent.  DaMarcus Beasley was exposed a few times, but the rest of the defense was solid enough to hold Mexico scoreless.  Geoff Cameron was a bit absent, but because Beasley was the target it allowed Cameron to move forward more.

Mexico is just a touch off.

Despite the play of the defense it felt like Mexico is so close to clicking again.  Javier Hernández had a couple opportunities including skying a clear chance off a late corner when he ran past Maurice Edu.  This is still a dangerous team and three games are not enough to say there are major problems.  One small adjustment could be all it takes. Will that be a coaching change?  Perhaps that isn’t a small adjustment.

Edu lacks confidence.

Edu did not pair well with Michael Bradley.  He got on the ball and sent many passes to a general vicinity.  More often than not that ball was right back in the Mexico attack.  The aforementioned corner in the waning minutes showed Edu just taking up a space rather than searching for an opponent.  Kyle Chaffin may have said it best on twitter.

CONCACAF is very tough.

After last night’s results Panama sits in first place.  Costa Rica has moved into second with the U.S. in third.  Honduras beat the U.S. but now sit behind them on goal differential.  The Hex is incredibly intriguing.  Three games are complete but there is no way to use them as a predictor to how this will finish.  Hold on, it’s going to be a fun ride.

Michael Orozco Fiscal will play for the U.S. this summer.

It may be Gold Cup play, but Orozco Fiscal showed even more by driving to be the odd man out last night.  He did not have a chance to train and knew he might not see any action.  Good for him to take the call and show up.