GUADALAJARA, Mexico — The Mexico national team, led by manager Javier Aguirre, secured a 2-0 victory over the United States men’s national team on Tuesday, marking an end to a seven-match winless streak against their northern rivals.
The USMNT, missing several key players including Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, faced the challenge of playing in front of a charged Estadio Akron crowd. The game’s momentum shifted quickly, as Raúl Jiménez of Fulham scored a stunning free kick in the 22nd minute, putting Mexico ahead 1-0.
Despite making changes at halftime, the USMNT fell further behind after César Huerta added a second goal in the 49th minute, assisted by Jiménez. The American team struggled to generate any significant offense throughout the match, with their first shot on target only arriving in the 64th minute.
This match marked the beginning of Aguirre’s third tenure as Mexico manager, with him now holding a record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and no losses. In contrast, Mauricio Pochettino’s record with the USMNT stands at one win and one loss.
The USMNT’s squad on this occasion lacked several injured stars, such as Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest. Additionally, Pulisic and other players were sent back to their clubs early due to fitness concerns. Despite these challenges, expectations were that the USMNT would perform better even in Mexico.
Jiménez, praised for his leadership and skills, played a crucial role in the match, scoring Mexico’s opening goal and providing an assist, demonstrating his return to form after a challenging period.
The phrase “Dos a Cero,” which references previous U.S. victories over Mexico by the same scoreline, has long been a source of pride for American fans. However, this time, it was Mexico that celebrated its first victory over the U.S. since 2019.
Andrés Guardado, a legendary midfielder for Mexico, received a heartfelt farewell after 18 minutes on the pitch, honoring his storied international career. Guardado, who debuted in 2005, has been a key figure in Mexican soccer for nearly two decades.
The atmosphere in the stadium showcased a passionate fanbase excited to see their team after a long absence from Guadalajara. Despite Mexico’s struggles in previous competitions, the fans were eager to support El Tri, making for a lively environment.
Throughout the match, some players faced boos from the crowd, particularly Alexis Vega and Alejandro Zendejas, as the fans remained loyal to their local clubs. However, Jiménez received praise and support from the crowd following his contributions to Mexico’s success.
Luis Ángel Malagón started as Mexico’s goalkeeper, stepping in for veteran Guillermo Ochoa, who had missed the previous friendlies. This decision comes as Aguirre prepares for upcoming matches, with Malagón’s performance suggesting a potential shift in the team’s lineup.
Following a victory against Panama in his debut, Pochettino faced his first defeat with the USMNT against Mexico. The new coach is still working to solidify his team’s formation and tactics, as he navigates the early days of his tenure.