What a chip from Michael Bradley!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2017
Captain America has put the #USMNT up 1-0 early against Mexico. #USAvMEXhttps://t.co/AlBTYZTxeq
The US national team walked into the belly of the beast, and walked out with a point.
Carlos Vela has equalized for Mexico! Game. On. #USAvMEXhttps://t.co/TESnWekp5I
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2017
Sporting an unexpected 5-4-1 formation with seven changes from the lineup that beat Trinidad & Tobago in Colorado on Thursday, the Yanks gritted out a draw vs. Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Sunday night. It marks the second straight World Cup qualifying cycle in which the US have earned such a result, and constitutes another step forward in coach Bruce Arena's mission to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Michael Bradley gave the visitors a shock lead just six minutes in when he chipped El Tri goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from some 40 yards out after a Mexico turnover in midfield.
But Carlos Vela struck back for the home side not long after, running at DaMarcus Beasley, then cutting inside from the right flank and beating Brad Guzan with a daisy-cutter with his preferred left foot.
The rest of the game unfolded in familiar fashion, Mexico dominating possession and the USMNT defending bravely, and neither side could break the deadlock.
Goals
Next Up
- MEX: Sunday, Jun. 18 – vs. Portugal – Confederations Cup (11 am ET)
- USA: Saturday, July 1 – vs. Ghana (4:45 pm ET | ESPN, UniMás, UDN)