The undefeated run for the United States men's national team over Mexico has come to an end with a 2-0 loss to El Tri in Guadalajara on Tuesday night. Without Christian Pulisic and other regular members of the USMNT, the attack struggled to get into gear, getting pushed off the ball in Mexico and making poor turnovers. Raul Jimenez curled in a beauty of a free kick for Mexico and El Tri didn't look back.
Mexico's second goal was a good way to sum up the match. Tim Ream made a great recovery run to dispossess Jimenez before losing the ball right back to the forward who set up Cesar Huerta for the insurance goal. It was a case of one step forward two steps back that ended up hurting the USMNT.
Ultimately, it will be a good learning experience for both the team and Mauricio Pochettino but things also would've been different in a competitive match. Pochettino sent Zack Steffen, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Marlon Fossey, and Pulisic home before this match to recover with their clubs due to load management and minor injuries. That wouldn't have been the case if this was a Concacaf Nations League fixture, but then the concerns of how lethargic some players were will send a warning to the squad.
Pochettino's training style can be hard on players but it will also provide chances for them to develop new skills once they spend more time together. No one wanted to see this seven match unbeaten run come to an end, but that means that it's time to start a new run. All good things must come to an end and Pochettino will now have seen where his depth players are lacking.
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He'll have time to identify solutions, but this is where the real work begins. Panama was a team that couldn't punish USMNT mistakes, but better sides like Mexico can. With improvement, the USMNT will do better next time around, but that growth will need to come quickly,
Mauricio Pochettino's first loss as USMNT manager came in only his second match in charge. After Mexico opened the scoring, the United Stated didn't have answers which is something that the USMNT will need to work on moving forward. This team needs to be able to stand up to adversity and while players like Christian Pulisic can do that, it's critical to quickly figure out who else can.
Brandon Vazquez had the USMNT's best chance fo the game so far. Unfortunately, it came in the 80th minute but this teem seems to be waking from their slumber late in the clash.
The USMNT will take anything that they can at this stage with Mauricio Pochettino making a line change. Tillman, Busio and Sargent will all exit with Vazquez, Tessmann and Wright entering. There's still time to score goals in the match but it's dwindling quickly,
Right after the half, this is a dagger with the entire USMNT defense getting caught out. Tim Ream makes a good recovery run but it wouldn't be enough as Jimenez makes a recovery tackle for Huerta to have an easy finish.
Alex Zendejas and Kris Lund will enter the match in the second half with Antoee Robinson and Yunus Musah departing from the match bringing fresh legs.
The USMNT are lucky to only be behind by one goal at the end of the first half. It was an even start but Mexico turned up the pressure scoring from a free kick and asking all the questions. At times, the USMNT looked slow and weren't able to pick out the right pass after winning the ball in midfield. It's something that can be improved in the second half of play but if it doesn't pick up sooner than later, this could turn into a heavy defeat.
As El Tri wins yet another corner kick they've had all the chances so far. The possession advantage is expected but Mexico taking five shots to the USMNT's one isn't. Alterations will need to be made but if the USMNT can get an equalizer before halftime, it would be a massive moment.
The USMNT are making their own job harder early in the clash with back passes from deep and getting muscled off of the ball in midfield. As Mexico turns up the pressure, it has been harder for Pochettino's men to get sustained pressure in the attacking third of the pitch.
It's a masterful free kick from Raul Jimenez. Matt Turner was setup well but the delivery was better. One of those goals that you just tip your hat to for Mexico.
Five World Cups and 182 caps later, it's the end of an era for the El Tri legend. Guadalajara born, he was able to have his send off close to home and will be replaced by Luis Romo for Mexico 20 minutes into the match.
When the USMNT turns over Mexico, the chances for goals are there but with the changes in the attack, that final ball hasn't been there yet. It's coming though.
10 mintues in there have been more fouls than shots on target as both teams are forcing each other into turnovers in key areas. It's a match with the trademark physicality of this rivalry but has yet to have a good chance in the early going.
Without Christian Pulisic, those duties will fall to Malik Tillman who sent agoo delivery into the box that was punched away. It has been a tepid start to the match so far.
The USMNT will begin with possession as both teams would love a fast start to this match.
It's the last cap for Andres Guadrado and this rivalry match will soon be underway.
In a late change, Miles Robinson will enter the XI for Mark McKenzie along the defense. It's unknown what the reason is behind that at this time but it's a chance for the FC Cincinnati man to show what he can do.
This one should be tight and ultimately end level despite a much better record in recent times for the U.S. over their Mexican neighbors. Pick: Mexico 1, USMNT 1.
For Malik Tillman and Aidan Morris, they'll be making their first away starts for the USMNT tonight. Being able to perform in hostile environments is what shows how far a player can make it with this team and it doesn't get more hostile than going to Mexico. This is an environment where legends are created and Pochettino's side will write the latest chapter in a storied rivalry.
There is some rotation for Aguirre as well while Mexico looks to win on home soil
Starters: Malagon, Alvarado, Alvarez, Angulo, Guadardo, Huerta Valera, Jimenez, Montes, Pineda, Sanchez, Vazquez
Malik Tillman will enter the XI for Christian Pulisic but other than that, Mauricio Pochettino is running back most of the team who were able to blank Panama. This will be a much tougher challenge but with more training time under the Argentine, the team will be up to it.
USMNT Starting XI: 1-Matt Turner, 4-Mark McKenzie, 5-Antonee Robinson, 6-Yunus Musah, 7-Aidan Morris, 11-Brenden Aaronson, 13-Tim Ream (Capt.), 14-Gianluca Busio, 17-Malik Tillman, 22-Joe Scally, 24-Josh Sargent
Substitutes: 16-Patrick Schulte,18-Ethan Horvath, 2-Auston Trusty, 12-Miles Robinson, 15-Tanner Tessmann, 19-Haji Wright, 20-Brandon Vazquez, 21-Alex Zendejas, 23-Kristoffer Lund
Christian Pulisic has been allowed to return to Milan after the Panama win so will not captain his country here. Pepi, Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie and Zack Steffen have also been released and will not feature but expect to see Josh Sargent leading the line. Antonee Robinson, Mark McKenzie and Joe Scally are also in line for continued minutes this October international break.
The Mexican side was rotated during the Valencia draw and this is once again expected to be experimental with Aguirre expected to spread minutes out. Santiago Gimenez is out injured but Raul Jimenez is present and expected to lead the line.
It's a quick rivalry introduction for Mauricio Pochettino as he takes the USMNT into Mexico to face El Tri. Despite the recent struggles for the USMNT, they are undefeated in their last seven matches against Mexico. Under Pochettino, they won't feel overconfident in this match, especially without their talisman in Christian Pulisic. Members of the USMNT will have chances to show why they should be regulars under the Argentine in a critical match.
