Everyone knew that the USA would eventually drop their hated Mexican rivals on their soil at some point. But who would have thought that it would take 75 years?
After going 0-23-1 over 75 years, the US ended its drought Wednesday night on an 80th minute goal by Michael Orozco Fiscal at the Azteca Stadium where a victory seemed impossible for the North Americans.
The goal was scored when Brek Shea broke down the left side and crossed the ball over to Terrence Boyd who used a quick backheel pass to Orozco Fiscal who tapped the ball past Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa. Shea had entered in the 78th minute of play and Orozco Fiscal had entered in the 77th as substitutes.
El Tri fired back and had a chance to even the score when Javier Hernandez took a shot inside the box. Keeper Tim Howard made a last second save to keep the lead at one for the US. In the 89th minute, Hernandez, a.k.a. Chicharito had a header stopped by Howard that ultimately locked the win for the US.
The US went winless in 24 games in Mexico and was outscored 81-14 during that span. The victory over Mexico is the second big victory of the year for Jurgen Klinsmann and company. The Americans defeated Italy for the first time ever at Genoa in February.
Both clubs did not field their full squads, but Mexico's roster included Chicarito, Ochoa, Reyna, Aldo de Nigris and Andres Guardado. They were missing Oribe Peralta (the Olympic hero), Giovanni Dos Santos, and Carlos Salcido. The US had Landon Donavan, Tim Howard, Brek Shea, Maurice Edu, and Hercules Gomez but had an untested defense in Alan Gordon, and Chris Wondolowski.
Next up for the US is a match up with Jamaica in the World Cup Qualifiers.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
