GUADALAJARA, Mexico — The opening contest between Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre and new United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino resulted in a 2-0 win for Mexico on Tuesday, ending a seven-match winless streak against their northern neighbors.
The USMNT struggled in Guadalajara, lacking key players like Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, who had returned to their clubs early. Playing amid a charged atmosphere at Estadio Akron, Mexico quickly capitalized on the pressure. By the 22nd minute, Raúl Jiménez scored with a stunning free kick, giving the home team a 1-0 lead.
Despite making changes at halftime, the US team fell further behind when César Huerta scored in the 49th minute, assisted by Jiménez. The USMNT struggled to respond, managing only one shot on target until the 64th minute.
This match marked a promising start for Aguirre, who now holds a record of 2W-2D-0L in his third stint with the national team, while Pochettino stands at 1W-0D-1L in his tenure with the USMNT.
The USMNT squad that traveled to Mexico was understrength, missing several injured stars like Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna. The absence of these players diminished expectations for a competitive match. El Tri dominated, laying siege to the US goal with 12 shots in the first half alone.
Raúl Jiménez emerged as the standout player, reminding audiences of his prowess with both a goal and an assist. His performance drew praise from Aguirre, who hailed him as a vital leader for the team.
The ‘Dos a Cero’ chant associated with US victories over Mexico has long been a source of ridicule. However, on Tuesday night, Mexico turned the tables with their first win over the US in five years, evoking memories of past encounters and changing the narrative.
Andrés Guardado, a veteran midfielder for Mexico, concluded his international career on a high note, leaving the field in the 18th minute as a tribute to his iconic jersey number. Guardado has been a stalwart for Mexican football over the past two decades.
The Mexican national team’s return to Guadalajara after 14 years aimed to rekindle fan support, and the vibrant atmosphere at Estadio Akron was a testament to that effort. Fans passionately supported their team, especially after Jiménez’s goal ignited the crowd.
Despite some crowd negativity aimed at specific players, notably Alexis Vega and Alejandro Zendejas, the overall atmosphere remained optimistic due to Mexico’s victory.
Luis Ángel Malagón outperformed expectations by starting in goal for Mexico, marking a shift from long-time goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. This decision could be pivotal for future matches.
Although Pochettino faced his first setback as USMNT coach, he is still in the process of developing his team’s identity. The match showcased the tactical adjustments underway, although significant challenges remain for the team moving forward.