USMNT Faces Mexico with a Fresh Lineup, but Falls Short in Guadalajara
The USA vs. Mexico rivalry is one of the most intense in international soccer, and last night's friendly match at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, continued that fiery tradition. However, this time the USMNT fielded a less familiar lineup due to absences of key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, who were rested after a grueling club schedule. The result was a tough 2-0 defeat for the U.S., marking their first loss to Mexico in over five years.
The USMNT’s starting lineup was missing some big names, with Mauricio Pochettino opting for a fresh look. Players like Malik Tillman and Aidan Morris earned their first away starts, while Tim Ream took up the captain’s role for the 12th time. The average age of the starting XI was 25 years, reflecting a team in transition but still full of potential. Despite the changes, the U.S. began the game with high hopes of maintaining their recent dominance over Mexico, especially given their unbeaten run in the rivalry over the past few years.
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Early in the first half, however, it became clear that the team was struggling to find rhythm. Raúl Jiménez took advantage of a misplaced American possession, drawing a foul 25 yards from goal. The experienced forward converted a beautiful free kick, curling it past Matt Turner to give Mexico a 1-0 lead. The goal shifted the momentum, and the U.S. was unable to respond in kind. By halftime, they hadn't registered a single shot on target, which showcased their offensive struggles.
The second half saw Mexico double their lead, thanks to a fast-paced attack led once again by Jiménez. He set up César Huerta, who beat Turner with a clinical finish, sealing the 2-0 scoreline. The U.S. tried to rally, but their attempts to get back into the game fell short. A late effort finally saw them register their first shot on target in the 79th minute, but by then it was too late to mount a serious comeback.
What stood out in this match was the absence of familiar leaders like Pulisic and McKennie, who would have provided the creative spark the team needed. Pochettino made the strategic decision to let these players return to their clubs, prioritizing their long-term fitness over this one match. While this makes sense from a broader perspective—especially with the 2026 World Cup in mind—it left the team vulnerable in a high-pressure game against their fiercest regional rival.
The match served as a reminder of the depth the USMNT still needs to build. With key players missing and others nursing injuries, the squad struggled to keep up with a Mexico team that, despite its own recent challenges, was able to control the game from start to finish. The U.S. will need to find ways to develop their younger talents and ensure that they are ready for the big moments when they come.
This loss, while disappointing, gives Pochettino and the team valuable insights into where improvements are needed as they look forward to the next round of competitive fixtures. The rivalry may have swung Mexico's way this time, but the U.S. remains focused on building a team that can peak at the right moment—when it matters most on the road to 2026.
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