In Guadalajara, Mexico, the first meeting between national team managers Javier Aguirre of Mexico and Mauricio Pochettino of the United States concluded with a 2-0 win for El Tri, ending a seven-match winless stretch against their northern rivals.
The USMNT faced challenges, playing away from home and missing key players such as Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic. The crowd at Estadio Akron added to the pressure, leading to a 1-0 lead for Mexico by the 22nd minute thanks to a stunning free kick from Raúl Jiménez.
Despite attempts to adjust after halftime, the United States fell further behind when César Huerta scored in the 49th minute, assisted by Jiménez. The USMNT struggled to respond and were unable to muster a significant attack.
Aguirre’s victory boosts his record to 2 wins, 2 draws, and no losses in his third stint as head coach, while Pochettino’s record now stands at one win and one loss.
The USMNT’s squad lacked some of its stars, including Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna, leaving them at a disadvantage. Although Pochettino was expected to create a competitive environment, the match revealed areas in need of improvement, particularly in motivating his players.
Raúl Jiménez’s standout performance, which included scoring and providing an assist, earned him praise from Aguirre. Jiménez’s return to form was critical in helping Mexico defeat the United States for the first time in five years, reviving the 2-0 chant that American fans have often used against Mexico.
Andrés Guardado received a heartfelt farewell from international football in his hometown, playing for 18 minutes, symbolizing his jersey number. Over his long career, Guardado has represented Mexican football at various levels, becoming a respected figure internationally.
On a broader scale, the Mexican national team chose to play in different venues, including Guadalajara for the first time in 14 years, creating an electric atmosphere among fans, evidenced by their passionate support for the team.
However, some players, like Alexis Vega, faced mixed receptions due to past club affiliations. Still, the pro-Mexican crowd celebrated their team’s significant triumph after years of struggle against the United States.
In goal, Luis Ángel Malagón surprised many with his selection over veteran Guillermo Ochoa. Malagón’s performance, which included a key save, may help solidify his position ahead of crucial upcoming matches.
Pochettino’s USMNT continues to evolve, seeking to implement a new style of play. Although the team’s performance against Mexico showed potential improvements in the second half, the road ahead requires further development as they prepare for upcoming competitions.