The USA continued their mastery of their biggest rivals with another 2-0 win over Mexico, the ninth USA victory over Mexico by that score line since 2000.
With Jozy Altidore suspended, Jurgen Klinsmann had the opportunity to look at some new attacking options, and youth was well served as youngsters Jordan Morris and scored both goals.
Morris provided some moments of encouragement in an otherwise dull first half between two teams below full strength. Mexico had the best opportunity of the first half, when five minutes before the break Gerardo Flores’s cross to the near post was sent wide by Eduardo Herrera.
Klinsmann changed his formation at half-time, reverting back to a diamond with Michael Bradley at the top of it, and the move paid immediate dividends as it was Bradley’s pass towards Gyasi Zardes that opened up the Mexico defence, The Los Angeles Galaxy striker let the ball run and Morris was first to react, taking a direct touch into the Mexico box before sliding a right-footed shot past Mexico keeper Cirilo Saucedo.
Bradley also played a key role in the host’s second goal. The Toronto FC midfielder sent a long ball to the corner of the box where Agudelo was arriving. The 22-year-old turned toward the goal, floating inside and belting a low shot that beat Saucedo at the near post.
Mexico made a late push to pull back a late goal, and nearly capitalized on some late confusion in the US penalty area. But substitute goalkeeper William Yarbrough came off his line to collect the ball and preserve the 2-0 scoreline.
Overall a useful workout for the USA. Morris and Agudelo showed enough against Mexico that they could be an alternative to Altidore this summer in the Gold Cup. They both are fast, something Altidore isn’t, and will offer Klinsmann a real plan B if the Toronto striker is struggling.
What did you think of the USA performance and victory?
