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Five memorable matches between Mexico and USA

By Ernesto Hernandez

Paul Aguilar of Mexico watches his game winning shot on goal as US goalkeeper Brad Guzan looks on during their 2015 CONCACAF Cup match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on October 10, 2015. The match is a playoff for the 2017 Confederations Cup. The United States lost to Mexico 3-2. AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Paul Aguilar of Mexico watches his game winning shot on goal as US goalkeeper Brad Guzan looks on during their 2015 CONCACAF Cup match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on October 10, 2015. The match is a playoff for the 2017 Confederations Cup. The United States lost to Mexico 3-2. AFP PHOTO / MARK RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Mexico men’s national team defender Rafael Marquez (L), goal keeper Alfredo Talavera (C) and Hugo Ayala celebrate the team’s 2-1 win against the US men’s national team a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Columbus, Ohio on November 11, 2016. / AFP / Paul Vernon (Photo credit should read PAUL VERNON/AFP/Getty Images)
Mexico men’s national team defender Rafael Marquez (L), goal keeper Alfredo Talavera (C) and Hugo Ayala celebrate the team’s 2-1 win against the US men’s national team a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Columbus, Ohio on November 11, 2016. / AFP / Paul Vernon (Photo credit should read PAUL VERNON/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. 2018 World Cup Qualifiers

The 2018 World Cup qualifier, while not the most flashy of games when it comes to these two, did provide some historical significance. Especially for the Mexican side.

Ever since 2002, the USMNT held a sort of stranglehold in the rivalry. At least, when it came to playing in the US. Held in Columbus, the red, white, and blue always seemed to come out on top. However, all that changed in November of 2016.

Filled with a roster of recognizable players, Mexico went into Columbus with a new attitude and belief that things would be different. They broke one hex when Miguel Layun scored, giving Mexico the lead, and marking the first time Mexico scored in this road fixture in a long time.

The US tied the game early in the second half through Bobby wood. The game got more physical and it looked like it would end in a draw. But in the 89th, Rafael Marquez, Mexico’s captain and the player US fans love to hate, gave Mexico the win heading the ball off a corner, giving Brad Guzan no chance to save that shot.

Marquez, alongside the rest of the Mexican players, celebrated in the corner flag and celebrated some more once the referee blew the final whistle. It was the first time the US lost a qualifier at home since 2001 and Mexico exorcised some of their demons in the process as well.

Looking back, the cycle for the 2018 World Cup saw the tide shift in the rivalry with Mexico going unbeaten against the US in the hexagonal to add to the aforementioned CONCACAF Cup. Mexico went on to top the group comfortably while the US failed to qualify after a loss to Trinidad & Tobago.

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