By Tommy Kane

Published: September 12th, 2018

Volume II: Issue L

The United States Men’s Soccer Team met their foes Mexico for the 68th time ever (All-time record at 20-14-37). The ‘Dos a Cero’ friendly took place in Nashville, Tennessee on September 11th. As Americans know, it was the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York. There was great pride before, during, and after the match, as the United States beat Mexico, 1-0. Intern Head Coach, Dave Sarachan, led the US for yet another time. He has been the intern for 11 months now, as the US looks to hire another coach to take over. We are still unsure when the Americans will have another coach appointed to the tough task of leading the team into the 2022 World Cup.

Tyler Adams Scores First Goal:

The dead-lock first-half match led many to believe that there was no way the United States or Mexico was going to be able to pull out, but they were wrong. In the 71st minute, debut player, Tyler Adams, was able to make a long run towards the goal. The ball came to him and he knocked it into the back of the net, giving the Americans the crucial and only goal of the game to beat Mexico. This came minutes after Mexico’s Angel Zaldivar was sent off for a dirty tackle. Adams is only 19 years old and was born in New York, making the goal all the better for America.

Another instance in the match came when Defender, Matt Miazga, stood his ground and was aggressive towards an opposing player. He had a ‘in your face’ mentality. It brought back some of the rivalry that had been lost between the two sides. Both teams were experimenting with future players, which attributed to the low-scoring, no action game. Goalie, Zack Steffen, was able to secure yet another shut-out as he looks to become the starting net-minder for the United States, and should rightfully so.

Where is the US Going?:

The United States is still very well in a re-building stage after missing the 2018 World Cup. Despite this, they have some huge potential for the next cup. Older players need to make an appearance to help the younger players advance on the team. Players such as Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore need to be called back for the good of the team. Yes, they failed to qualify, but they are still the senior players of American soccer. They need to teach the younger players and help them improve for the future. The roles will most likely be limited, but they are still important nonetheless.

To add, more European friendlies need to be scheduled so the United States is playing some higher-level competition (which they have added). This is good for the young, future players to get their toes soaked in what they need to get through to win the World Cup in 2026. Smaller European countries such as Croatia have built their teams up and have gotten results (2018 World Cup?). We must become the next Croatia and train our future players.

Next Up For the US:

The United States Men’s National Team have a huge slate of friendlies across October and November, and they are great matches too. In October, the US will get to see Colombia and Peru, while in November, the US meets with England and Italy across the pond. All of these matches are positive for the developing team, as they are difficult and will make players prove they belong. To add, these matches are obtainable for sure. The United States has the ability to win all of these games; it is just about how they take each match tactically and use it to their advantage. Hopefully by October, we will have a new coach to lead the team, as these games are important for our future and likely his as well. Brazil was rough, but it is in the past. Look for Christian Pulisic to hopefully make an appearance as well, since he is the American ‘Golden Boy’.

On the Women’s side, 2019 World Cup Qualifying starts in October as well. The ladies should have a very easy time getting to France and competing for a fourth World Cup. For now, look for those great friendlies in the upcoming fall months. As always, Go USA!

Stats:

http://www.espn.com/soccer/matchstats?gameId=511015

https://www.11v11.com/teams/usa/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Mexico/