Get ready for an exciting new chapter of the United States vs. Mexico rivalry! With recent coaching changes bringing a high-profile figure in Mauricio Pochettino to the U.S. men's national team, and a more tried and true veteran in Javier Aguirre to Mexico's men's side, Both programs will have a chance to reach an early milestone when they meet Tuesday for a friendly. Long gone are the former coaches who recently failed to impress at the Copa América. It's now The Aguirre and Pochettino Show for Concacaf's two biggest giants, and they will be eager to make their mark against one another. Tuesday's match at Guadalajara's Estadio Akron isn't just about regional superiority either. With a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something ahead of the 2026 World Cup that their countries will co-host, the upcoming friendly will also display what path they're paving.
Like Mexico, there have been few positives for the U.S. to point to since the 2022 World Cup. With the goal of showcasing that they're not just a big fish in a Concacaf-sized pond, the USMNT has struggled against elite teams, notably in the summer's disastrous early exit from the Copa América. A couple of winless friendlies heading into the tournament also foreshadowed doom for the USMNT.
There's no lack of promising talent within the roster, but there was also little evidence that previous coach Gregg Berhalter was the right person to help elevate both the players and overall structure, which have a high ceiling.
Mauricio Pochettino's 2-0 debut win as USMNT manager over Panama on Saturday inspired confidence that the Americans were already forging a better path after the lackluster end to the Gregg Berhalter era.
Tuesday's match against Mexico, at least for 45 minutes, was quite the different tale. The USMNT looked overmatched, trailing 1-0 at halftime after Raúl Jiménez's fantastic free kick.
The Americans didn't manage a single shot in the first half, while Mexico had 12 (three on goal). The Mexicans held 58.9 percent of possession and had five corners, compared to just two for the United States.
Yes, the Americans were without key players in Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi. And yes, the game was being played in Mexico. But that didn't make the first 45 minutes any easier for supporters and pundits alike to stomach:
The Americans have generally gotten the better of Mexico in this rivalry of late. But after about 50 minutes, Mexico appeared to be on a different planet than their northern neighbors and rivals, much to the chagrin of the optimistic U.S. fanbase following Poch's appointment.
Halftime didn't provide much respite, as Mexico quickly took a 2-0 lead after a counter and USMNT turnover in the box, with César Huerta burying a shot in the bottom corner.
The USMNT has a lot of work to do.
USMNT Struggles to Find Rhythm Against Mexico
The USMNT's first half performance against Mexico was a stark contrast to their dominant victory over Panama. The team looked disjointed and lacked the energy and creativity that Pochettino had brought to the game against Panama. This was a different Mexico side than the one that was booed off the field by their own fans in Puebla, Mexico, after a 2-2 draw with Spanish club Valencia.
Mexico's Dominance in the First Half
Mexico, led by Javier Aguirre, came out with a sense of purpose and urgency that was lacking in the USMNT. The Mexican squad showcased a strong tactical approach, effectively controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
The Impact of Missing Key Players
The USMNT's absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Ricardo Pepi undoubtedly impacted their performance. These players bring a certain level of experience and skill that were sorely missed in the first half.
Pochettino's Challenges
Poch will need to make significant adjustments to his tactics and personnel if he wants to turn things around in the second half. This match will be a valuable learning experience for Pochettino as he continues to build his team.
Mexico's Confidence
Mexico, on the other hand, looked confident and composed. Their performance in the first half suggested that they're ready to take on their rivals and prove their worth on the international stage.
Aguirre's Success
Aguirre is already showing signs of success with the Mexican team. He seems to be getting the most out of his players. This match could be a turning point for Mexico and their ability to regain their lost confidence.
The USMNT's Need for Improvement
The USMNT needs to improve their overall play if they want to remain competitive against Mexico. This game is a major test, and the team will need to show that they can bounce back from the first half's disappointments.
The Road Ahead
The USMNT will need to adapt their game plan if they want to turn this friendly into a more competitive match. It's a long road ahead, and they will need to show that they can consistently perform at a high level to meet the expectations of the fans and their coaches.
The Second Half
While the first half was a disappointment, the USMNT has shown resilience in the past. Fans will be hoping to see a more spirited and determined effort in the second half. It is a chance for the team to show their true potential.
Will the USMNT Rise to the Challenge?
Poch will need to get his team firing if he wants to avoid a disappointing loss. This is a crucial test, and the USMNT will need to show they can handle the pressure of playing against their biggest rival. The second half will be a true indicator of whether the USMNT can bounce back from the first half's struggles.
