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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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PASADENA, CA – JUNE 25: Giovani Dos Santos #10 of Mexico gets the ball away from goal keeper Tim Howard #1 of the United States to set up his goal during the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Championship at the Rose Bowl on June 25, 2011 in Pasadena, California. Mexico won 4-2. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JUNE 25: Giovani Dos Santos #10 of Mexico gets the ball away from goal keeper Tim Howard #1 of the United States to set up his goal during the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Championship at the Rose Bowl on June 25, 2011 in Pasadena, California. Mexico won 4-2. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

4. 2011 Gold Cup Final

As expected, Mexico and USA is always the expected final whenever the Gold Cup comes around. The 2011 edition was no different.

Mexico came into the tournament under a cloud of controversy after four of their players were suspended from the Gold Cup after testing positive for the banned substance, clenbuterol. The federation blamed tainted meat on the positive doping results.

Still managed by Bob Bradley, the US got off to an amazing start going 2-0 up on Mexico with Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan getting on the score sheet. Donovan even celebrated with a chicken dance soliciting a reminder to the suspended Mexican players.

But Mexico mounted a comeback with goals by Andres Guardado and a brace by Pablo Herrera putting Mexico in the lead. The cherry on top came in the 76th minute courtesy of Giovani Dos Santos.

After Javier Hernandez saved a ball near the corner flag, Gerardo Torrado filtered a ball inside the box to Dos Santos. A charging Tim Howard came out to block any sort of angle. As if the ball was glued to his foot, Dos Santos dribble around a swatting Tim Howard and a couple US defender. Then, with the swiftest of touch, lobbed the ball to the corner post, squeezing past the head of Eric Lichaj for the goal of the tournament.

There was nothing Tim Howard or anyone else could have done to stop that ball. It’s the best goal anyone has scored in this rivalry and cemented Mexico’s comeback. They went on to win 4-2 and that goal will be remembered for a long time.

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