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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:
Brian Sciaretta @BrianSciaretta
The <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#USMNT</a> were actually decent the first 15 minutes. But after the goal, Mexico had them on their heels the rest of the half. <br>- 12-0 in shots (3-0 on target) <br>- ugly last 20 minutes <a href=”https://t.co/ZLb300X93v”>pic.twitter.com/ZLb300X93v</a>
herculez gomez @herculezg
Mexico is the better team.<br><br>More of a sense of urgency. Physically imposing. Taking more chances going forward, not afraid.<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#USMNT</a> w/a lack of pace and idea midfield on. I don’t recall the last time this was the case for them.<br><br>More than a few pedestrian performances for the US.
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 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.