FINAL: US MNT 0 Mexico 0

Playing a lot of young kids and unfamilar faces the US MNT went into Azteca and stole a point on the road!

Beasley was a warrior tonight. Not his best game and he struggled at times but rose to meet every challenge.  Besler and Gonzaes were superb. Cameron held down his side as well.  Guzan was really solid, very calm in support of the backs.

Thought Bradley was the key. His play and organization from the DM position were keys to the game, imo. Zusi provided the strong physical presence in support.

I am unsure what Klinsman was thinking in replacing Altidore with Johnson. he corresponding switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2  was a bit curious as well.  Thought the US had controlled the center channels well up to that point. They struggled to get numbers around the ball when playing in the 4-4-2.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing Klinsman - just not understanding his thinking with that move.  Perhaps he will enlighten us in post match comments.

Mexico will complain of the two non-calls that could have resulted in PK opportunities for the home side.  That's just sour grapes because they left a half dozen other scoring chances on the field. Convert on any of those and the potential PK's are renderedfar less relevant. Sometimes a little luck is needed and this time it shined favorably on the US MNT. 

Haven't seen the stats yet, but Mexico had more shots, more shots on goal and a staggering number of corner kicks.  The US MNT stood strong.  Poise, composure... they just didn't buckle and that is very encouraging.

New faces are emerging as starters and contributors. Players missing due to injuries or sabaticals doesn't seem to phase Klinsman and this group.  He's used a different line up in each game with an astonishing 59 players receiving caps under his direction.  That is going to establish a much deeper pool of players than the US has been accustomed to.  I am really impressed by the "next man up" approach of the US team as exemplfied by the young center backs to tonight.

Point well earned!

US MNT @ Mexico 1st Half

After a slow start the US MNT  began to sustain possession better. Jose Altidore's back to goal target play was a huge factor in this as he linked with Bradley a number of times. Was very impressed with the US patience in building attacks and the change of pace displayed once they hit Altidore. The lay backs and returns worked well.

I am concerned about Beasley's play at the left back. He has struggled and Mexico smells blood there. The two young center backs, Besler and Gonzales have held up fairly well. Some textbook examples of zonal flat back play with both stick and arrow in evidence,

The strength of this team seems to be down the middle of the pitch and that is where much of the latter part of the first half was played after the Mexicans dominated flank play early on.

0 - 0 at Half.  The US MNT is probably happy with that. The Mexicans, not so much.