The USMNT And Mexico Ready For Battle In San Antonio

The United States Men’s National Team versus Mexico is a big deal. Whether it be in a friendly, Gold Cup competition or that one occurrence which had the two countries face each other in the round of 16 in the 2002 World Cup. It’s the U.S AGAINST Mexico. The first ever match up in San Antonio, Texas will continue with their despise of one another. A rivalry that goes unmatched when speaking of disgust and hatred BUT mutual respect for one another. A rivalry that entails much more than bragging rights. A battle for country, for pride and for recognition.

..both sides want to win it, that means it’s attacking football, there’s nothing more fun than both teams attacking and going for it.”

The USMNT trails in the rivalry all-time with 17 victories, 32 losses and drawing with Mexico 14 times. In the last five matches, which included friendlies and World Cup Qualifiers, the U.S has come away with two wins, one of which in the Estadio Azteca. The other three matches ended in a draw including their last match up, a 2-2 finish last April in Arizona.  The U.S has also had an upper hand on their fellow CONCACAF powerhouse El Tri in friendlies, being unbeaten in their last 12 match ups.

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U.S Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann with his thoughts on ESPN: “I enjoy every time we face Mexico because they love the game….both sides want to win it, that means it’s attacking football, there’s nothing more fun than both teams attacking and going for it.” Klinsmann also mentioned it will be an opportunity for players from the MLS to show “what they’ve got,” hinting that individually these players will have an opportunity to shine.

Although many of the stars (Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Fabian Johnson), for both teams (Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Giovanni Dos Santos) will not be in the line-ups for the match. Players like L.A Galaxy’s Gyasi Zardes and Omar Gonzalez get an opportunity to display their talent after being called up to compete in such a game.

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Lagalaxy.com explained what both players are feeling, said Gonzalez “I’m excited to be out there, it’s my first appearance since Landon’s last game. And it’ll be my dad’s birthday, hopefully I can get him a win.”

Southern California native Zardes mentioned, “I love it.  It feels amazing.  It’s a blessing to get called up to my national team and to represent my nation against Mexico. It’s a big rivalry.”  Zardes also received some praise on ESPN from arguably the greatest Men’s Soccer National player in history Landon Donovan, saying, “he’s progressed and hopefully continues and does well.”

With a few days in between the match up with El Tri and Sporting KC, that should be enough time to heal up any soreness or fatigue before continuing on with their MLS season. It is unclear if both Gonzalez and Zardes are slated to start. If they’re not in Klinsmann’s starting 11, they are no doubt viable weapons off of the bench.

Klinsmann has a lot of fine tuning to do, you simply cannot rely on adrenaline to get you past a Mexico side. The U.S has had trouble since last summer’s World Cup, conceding 11 goals in the second half of it’s last 9 matches. Jurgen also mentioned that the U.S needs to compete for the #1 ranking in CONCACAF.

And that competition begins against their neighbors or should I say OUR neighbors to the south! I don’t know about you but I’m pumped for another page to be written in this rivalry between the United States and Mexico!

MY PREDICTION:

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