The Trifecta
Neither Mexico or the United States had won three times against one-another in the same calendar year since 1937. Now in 2021, the USA has recorded 9 points in the three games against Mexico, showing that the United States National Team is back and stronger than ever. Their first win of the calendar year against Mexico came on June 6th in a 3-2 victory to win the 2021 CONCAAF Nations League Championship. Then two months later on August 1st, the USA added their second win against the Mexicans in a 1-0 victory in the Gold Cup Final. In their final matchup of 2021, the red, white, and blue had a commanding 2-0 victory over Mexico, completing the trifecta.
Dos A Cero
Greg Berhalter’s side got off to another slow start in the first half in Cincinnati, giving up multiple great chances for Mexico to take advantage and score. Luckily Zack Steffen had a solid game in net and made two amazing saves at the 11thand 18th minute marks. USA had a couple scoring chances as well, most notably in the 37th minute when Ricardo Pepi received the ball inside the box and left it to Yanus Musah, who one-time hit it just wide of the net.
In the 2nd half, Team USA turned it up a notch and the game became much more physical. After just one yellow card being shown in the first half, there were 5 cards shown in the second half, including an eventual yellow-to-red card shown to Miles Robinson just as the game was ending. The United States got a huge spark in the 70th minute when their star, Christian Pulisic, checked into the game. He made his impact immediately, scoring on a header off of a great running cross from Tim Weah, giving the USA the lead in the 74th minute:
Shortly after that, Weston McKennie sealed the game in the 85th minute after finding the ball inside the box off of a rebound and hitting the far corner for the second USA goal of the game:
What’s Next?
The USA have now won 4 of their last 5 matches and have taken lead of the CONCAAF Standings with 14 points and a +7 goal-differential. They will head to Kingston, Jamaica to face the Jamaican National Team on November 16th. The USA will be without both Weston McKennie and Miles Robinson for that match, due to yellow card accumulation.
