USMNT Begins Hex With 2-1 Loss To Mexico

Mexico, determined to avoid yet another Columbus Dos a Cero, took a 1-0 lead into halftime,  but a second half push from the U.S. Men’s National Team equalized right after the break. Pushing for a game-winner, the U.S. gave up a header by Rafael Marquez in the 89th minute and Mexico got the winning goal.

The U.S. tied the game with a 49th minute strike from Bobby Wood and a spirited second half performance in front of a sold-out crowd of 24,650 at MAPFRE Stadium in the opening match of the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Friday night.

Next on the Schedule: The U.S. MNT visits Costa Rica for the second match of Final Round World Cup Qualifying on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica (beIN SPORTS, NBC Universo).

Goal Scoring Rundown:
MEX – Miguel Layun (Giovani dos Santos), 20th minute: With the ball held up by Michael Bradley and Giovani dos Santos just outside the area, the Mexico attacker won the battle, by chopping the ball loose as Layun ran onto it, firing a shot that deflected off Timmy Chandler before sneaking inside the lower left post.USA 0, MEX 1 

USA – Bobby Wood (Jozy Altidore), 49th minute: John Brooks started the play, picking out a pass and quickly beginning the transition into attack with a lofted ball for Jozy Altidore. The veteran MNT forward held it up before turning towards goal, with his thundering run allowing space to slot Bobby Wood into the box. There, the Hamburg forward split the Mexico defense before hitting a low shot that Tallavera got a piece of but couldn’t prevent from hitting the back of the net. USA 1, MEX 1 

MEX – Rafael Marquez (Miguel Layun), 89th minute: A corner kick from Miguel Layun picked out Marquez at the near left post and his glancing header redirected across the face of goal past substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan into the far right side netting. USA 1, MEX 2