On Wednesday, April 15, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) etched another tremendous chapter in the storied USA, Mexico rivalry and showed tremendous grit in a dominant shutout of Mexico, 2-0.
The now legendary score line of 2-0 in favor of the USMNT has occurred in eight separate matches since 2000, gaining it the name Dos a Cero.
“The energy was outstanding,” mentioned USMNT Head Coach Jürgen Klinsmann in the post-game press conference.
A sold-out crowd of more than 64,000 fans packed the Alamodome to witness the friendly match between the international rivals. A swarm of green, red and blue could be seen throughout the stadium as supporters of both sides turned up in large numbers, passionately chanting the entire match.
With the win, the USMNT is now unbeaten against Mexico in the last six matches between the two clubs. The USMNT also extended their home-soil winning streak to 21 consecutive matches with the victory.
“Everybody was on the same page in terms of, we want to get a (win) and we want to do well,” said Klinsmann. “We want to prove a point.”
USA’s offense put a ton of pressure on Mexico in the early part of the first half. But Mexico maintained composure and neither team truly gained ground throughout the first 45 minutes.
The second half, however, was controlled by the Americans. In the 49th minute, USA forward Jordan Morris ripped in an emphatic shot to give USA a one-goal lead. Morris chipped the shot in with an impeccable touch over Mexico goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo.
Klinsmann gave Morris – a forward at Stanford University – the starting nod over the absent Jozy Altidore, making his first career start. Prior to the event, Morris previously played in only one game in 2015 and logged just two minutes of playing time. The score was the first of his career with the USMNT and his first international goal.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid, scoring a goal. Especially in such a big game in front of so many fans. It was unbelievable,” said Morris.
“We see that there is a constant positive path in him,” added Klinsmann.
In the 72nd minute, USA forward Juan Agudelo gained control of the ball on the edge of the box, worked his way inside and knocked in a goal to double USA’s lead at 2-0.
Agudelo came into the game as a substitute in the 65th minute, relieving the previous goal scorer, Morris. His goal marks the first international goal for Agudelo since 2011.
The USMNT held on to 2-0 lead to close out the game in victory. The win moves the USMNT’s record against Mexico to 18-32-14 all time.
The USMNT competes next against the Netherlands on June 5 in Amsterdam.
