U.S. Shuts Out Mexico for Eighth Straight Time

The US National Team beat Mexico in Arizona last night, 2-0. For almost a decade the US MNT has dominated Mexico, with a current record of 7-0-1 on home soil. Even more impressive, since 2000, the US team has outscored Mexico 13-0.

What a game it was between the two teams and I give them both credit, but this was a game of defense and here's what it came down to.

Mexico's defense had trouble tracking the US strikers. Jimmy Conrad scored on a header from Landon Donovan's corner kick during the 56th minute. Conrad was basically standing there all alone, unmarked. Someone's getting fired!

The US defense team of Bocanegra, Conrad and Albright struggle at times but all in all, they kept Mexico at bay, confused, crazy.

Donovan put the nail in the coffin during injury time off a pass from Ricardo Clark allowing Donovan to break away and fake out the goalie for a pretty little chip into the goal. It was all gravy!

Though my prediction of USA 1, Mexico 0 was slightly off, it still showed the big goose egg for the visiting team.

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PREVIEW: USA vs. Mexico, "Don't Be Scared!"

I've been telling my Hispanic friends and family lately to not get scared about the rise of US Soccer. Yes it's "Ouch time" where the US and Mexico national teams will face off in a friendly tonight.

Don't be scared Mexico! I know the US Soccer establishment continues to build strength with each team clashing with a new coach, watch out! Coach Bradley has chosen to go with experienced US National players for this important game of egos and rivalry. Good choice Bob.

The "give an go" play of Mexico can be squashed by the US is we having the following items dialed in:

Defense:
Bocanegra and Conrad will have to remain strong and in sync in order to keep the Mexico strikers frustrated and at bay. Tattoo that Borgetti ass boys!

Forwards:
Donovan and crew will need to use the middle more often than crossing from the side as this is not a normal strike pattern for Mexican teams (hence why I believe they're falling behind as the US players are looking more towards the strategies of the EPL).

Midfield:
Good service and ready on defense will be important in the midfield for Dempsey, Mastroeni and others.

Though these things may seen obvious to many readers, I can't wait to see if the US team is going to win the ball more than Mexico and beat them at being aggressive. Per their last clash of the pitch, look for some squabbling.

Go team USA!

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Cobi Jones - February 2007

This is a monthly series celebrating Cobi Jones' 12 years in the MLS and with the Los Angeles Galaxy....in his second season in MLS, Jones played 26 of 32 regular season games, registering seven goals and nine assists, and helped lead a late season turnaround that qualified the Galaxy for the 1997 MLS Cup Playoffs.

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