For the first time since 2015, the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated archrival Mexico, courtesy of a 71st minute goal at Nissan Stadium in front of a crowd of more than 40,000.
After a 2-0 loss to Brazil on Friday, the U.S. rebounded nicely with a victory, despite being outplayed for the majority of the match.
After a slow, lackluster first half, The U.S. changed gears after halftime. The entire outlook of the game changed around the 60 minute-mark, when a scrum broke out after a foul on Mexico, prompting Matt Miazga to get in the face of Mexico’s Diego Lainez, pointing out his height difference and jawing with his opponent.
Boy meets world.@tyler_adams14 been savage. pic.twitter.com/9sVj3qBEb3
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) September 12, 2018
It was only minutes after the altercation with tempers still flaring that Mexico’s Angel Zaldivar slid into U.S. captain Will Trapp with his studs up, missing the ball entirely and receiving a straight red card in the 67th minute.
The U.S. then took control with a numbers advantage, finally opening up space and moving more players forward up the field. In the 71st minute, a pass into the box found the feet of a running Tyler Adams, who sent a striking ball past the Mexican keeper for the 1-0 lead.
With the win, the U.S. now shifts its focus to an October 11 match against Colombia. The match will take place in Tampa, Florida and can be viewed on FS1 at 5:30 p.m. MT.
