'Dos a Cero,' Mexico's Andres Guardado bows out with a win over the USMNT

Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta scored as Mexico beat the USMNT 2-0 in Andres Guardado's last match with El Tri.

It was a memorable win for the side managed by Javier Aguirre as they were able to send out one of their best players in recent history out with a win. Not only that but a win over the United States made the farewell that much sweeter.

The match was special for Guardado not only because it was his final match but because it took place in Guadalajara, the city where he made his professional debut with Atlas, despite it being held at the Akron, the home of their city rivals, Chivas.

The 38-year-old played the first 19 minutes before he was substituted to a standing ovation by the fans in attendance.

it was shortly after that when Mexico took the lead thanks to a free-kick from Jimenez. The Fulham striker has had an impressive start to the season and has seemingly brought that form into the national team. A welcome sight to Aguirre as it now gives him another option alongside Santiago Gimenez.

"He came back very well from his injury, very well," Aguirre said. "He's scored goals, he's made assists,. He looks mature and in good form, having completely overcome his injury. I think he is definitely a leader for us. A very important player for us."

Mexico put some breathing room between themselves and the Americans only four minutes into the second half as Cesar Huerta took advantage of a defensive mistake, leaving the ball near the penalty spot. The Pumas forward then positioned himself well with a little feint to double Mexico's lead.

The victory was a much needed one for Mexico who blew a 2-0 lead against Valencia in their last match. Perhaps it also was a look as to who Aguirre prefers when it comes to the more important games. For example, Angel Malagon started in goal ahead of Guillermo Ochoa.

But Andres Guardado's farewell was the story of the evening. Having made his debut under Ricardo LaVolpe, Guardado burst onto the scene in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. That World Cup served to be a launching pad for Guardado as it led to him going to Europe where he enjoyed success with Deportivo de La Coruña. From there he went on to Valencia veofre loans at Bayer Leverkusen and PSV.

He spent two season at PSV before his last stop in Europe at Betis where he became one of their captains.

Guardado puts an end to his Mexico career having been capped 180 times, scoring 28 goals and playing in five World Cups, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.