After a sluggish start to World Cup qualifying, the US Men’s National Team is finally living up to expectations. Playing their most important game yet, the Americans delivered a tour de force performance in Friday night’s win over Mexico, taking advantage of two second-half goals including one by captain Christian Pulisic, who got the scoring started by beating keeper Guillermo Ochoa on a breathtaking header.
The Chelsea striker, who subbed in for starter Brenden Aaronson minutes earlier, knew just what to do with Timothy Weah’s centering cross, burying it to put the US ahead for good in the 74th minute. Weston McKennie tacked on an insurance goal late as the United States moved another step closer to punching its World Cup ticket.
Friday’s triumph in Cincinnati marked the USMNT’s third straight win over Mexico while vaulting them to the top of the CONCACAF standings. The Americans came out flat in a loss to Panama last month, but have risen to the challenge in subsequent victories over Costa Rica and now Mexico. After missing the previous World Cup in Russia—the result of a devastating loss to Trinidad & Tobago in regional qualifying—the US appears well on its way to Qatar.
The US has looked disjointed at times throughout qualifying, failing to impress in draws with Canada and El Salvador. But that wasn’t the case Friday night with Gregg Berhalter’s squad dropping the hammer on their archrival, displaying surprising poise in a game that, early on, looked like it could go either way. Mexico came closest to scoring in the first half, with Hirving “Chucky” Lozano getting a clean shot on net, only for keeper Zach Steffen to deny him in the 18th minute.
Throughout qualifying, the United States has strategically chosen smaller cities to host games, hoping to avoid competition from opposing fans. Mexico’s rabid fan base certainly showed up for Friday night’s battle at TQL Stadium, but unlike previous installments in the rivalry, they were largely drowned out by US supporters, who made sure to make their presence felt in a game the Americans needed to have.
The underachieving USMNT has, for years, been a sore subject and a source of frustration for its fans. But the response to Friday’s win on social media was largely positive with many seeing it as a turning point in America’s soccer trajectory.
The United States will hope to carry that momentum into its next game Tuesday against Jamaica.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram