The US Men’s Soccer team beat their rivals from Mexico for the 3rd consecutive time this year with a a score of 2-0. It was as thorough a victory as the U.S. has ever inflicted on its southern neighbors. While the two wins this past summer saw the Americans absorbing attacks from a superior Mexico side and counterpunching opportunistically, on Friday the Americans seized the game from the outset and never relinquished control. There was no sign of the hesitancy during qualifying. It was the best game the Americans have played yet under coach Gregg Berhalter.
THE MAN IN THE MIRROR
The goal finally came through a familiar hero for the U.S. in World Cup qualifying, though not from this cycle—at least not yet. Christian Pulisic—still recovering from an injury suffered with the U.S. in September and so only fit for a substitute’s role—entered the pitch in the 69th minute and soon cut across two inert Mexican defenders to head home Timothy Weah’s cross. Pulisic hadn’t scored a nonpenalty goal for the USMNT in more than two years. He saved it for the best possible time. The US golden boy also had a response to Mexican goalie Ochoa’s comments earlier in the week. “Mexico is the mirror in which the United States wants to see itself” Pulisic lifted his jersey with his Bold Statement! I’M THE MAN IN THE MIRROR!
The American Outlaw fans were relentless all night. Every touch Ochoa made on the ball they let him know how they felt about his statements as well. Loud, I mean really loud boos filled the stadium. It seemed as if this crowd had been in town for weeks practicing their chants. There is no doubt this crowd helped fuel the boy’s to victory and the team let them know after the win. Walking around the complete field thanking them after the win. Dancing in unison to the continued chants was great to watch
The boy’s feeding off the crowd all night.