U.S. win in Mexico for first time ever/ Why loss is good for Mexico

The United States men’s national team pulled off a historic win tonight winning for the first time ever in Azteca Stadium 1-0 on a goal from Michael Orozco Fiscal in the 80th minute after a back-heel from Terrance Boyd.

Of course these were not full squads for either team but that does not matter. The U.S. took huge success and confidence from this match. And yes it was history, no matter how you want to condition it .
Mexico has now only lost 9 times in Azteca Stadium.

It was a timely result for Jurgen Klinsmann and the United States and is a small reminder that those that have been critical of Klinsmann certainly need to take a step back and give him a chance to work. Hold him accountable for sure but it would be nice to see more lend support to the new manager.

The main talking point coming into this game was the pairing of Geoff Cameron and Maurice Edu at center back and a back-line that had not played together in front of Tim Howard.
Many had predicted Mexico blowing out the U.S. but in fact the United States got an overall passing grade on a night of collective defending and spirit, good fortune and outstanding goalkeeping from Tim Howard.
That combined with a less than sharp Javier Chicharito Hernandez led to the final result. The U.S. clearly will take huge confidence from this stunning result in Mexico City.

Star men:

1.) Tim Howard- remarkable shot stopping and leadership at the back. Howard continues to just be a pillar of strength and dependability in goal for the U.S.

2.) Geoff Cameron- outstanding night for Cameron who hopped a plane from England to play in this game. He is cementing himself into this position that so desperately needs his athleticism. He continues to improve positionally and remained rooted to the middle for much of the night where he needed to be.

3.) Brek Shea- lately in the news for the negative this was a stroke of brilliance from Klinsmann not only for putting him in squad but to actually use him. Shea then beat a defender that led to the goal. Good off the bench from the FCD man.

4.) Michael Orozco Fiscal- what a night when you score a historic goal in US Soccer history . Playing in Mexico for San Luis , Orozco Fiscal sent out shockwaves with his goal!!

5.) Kyle Beckermann-his work ethic in midfield was to be admired in the absence of Michael Bradley. An honest, hardworking player that is dependable.

COMPOSURE
The U.S. struggled with decision making and possession when winning the ball throughout the night. Still what was to be commended was a level of composure as a group that was impressive. The shape and balance of the team was pretty solid throughout the night.

WHY THIS IS THE PERFECT RESULT FOR MEXICO
Humility, losses can be good things for any soccer playing nation.
The timing of this just might be perfect for Mexico to ground themselves again and re-boot for World Cup qualifying.
It was a humbling night for sure to lose to your rivals in the honored coliseum of Azteca.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURE EQUAL IN MEXICO AND US
Anyone who says this is way off base when it comes to the working player development systems in both countries and the path to being a professional soccer player.
Mexico has distinct advantages in this area and I will comment on this more in the future both on this website and Soccer Matters on Sports Talk 790.

On another note it was interesting Mexico would play a friendly against the U.S. with World Cup qualifying in the future. The win is truly a psychological boost for the United States and is very timely.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc