Mexico snapped its losing streak against the U.S. men's national team at Columbus on Friday when it scored off a corner kick in the 89th minute to win 2-1 in World Cup Qualifying action.
U.S. had defeated Mexico 2-0 four straight times in Columbus, leading to the series nickname "dos a cero", but that was quickly dispelled when Miguel Layun struck for Mexico in the 20th minute.
Bobby Wood equalized in the 49th minute on a great piece of interplay with Jozy Altidore, but Mexico added a second goal with just a minute and stoppage time left on the clock.
Watch Bobby Wood's left-footed finish to tie the game at one goal apiece. #USAvMEX pic.twitter.com/SoSmgzxgtn
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) November 12, 2016
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The U.S. will now have to regroup and try to earn points Tuesday against a tough Costa Rica team.
Here are our three takeaways from Mexico's win:
1. USMNT deserved more in tale of two halves. This game was all Mexico early with Klinsmann implementing a confusing 3-5-2 system the team rarely uses. It led to a Mexico goal and two other chances off the post in the first half. Mexico had acres of space in front of the box during the first 45 minutes, and the U.S. looked lost with the little possession it could muster.
Thankfully, Klinsmann switched back into a 4-4-2 which led to an enjoyable second half highlighted by Wood's goal. The U.S. should have added another goal in the 58th minute, but Michael Bradley selfishly shot instead of playing the ball back to Wood for what would have been an easy scoring opportunity.
Mexico ended up winning on a brilliant corner kick in the 89th minute, but El Tri looked sluggish in the second half. The U.S., which was unbeaten in its previous 30 home World Cup Qualifying matches, deserved at least a point in this one.
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2. Bobby Wood proved his worth. For some reason, Wood seems to be the forgotten man, or at least the under appreciated man in this starting XI. All the excitement and chatter leading up to the game surrounded 18-year-old wunderkind Christian Pulisic, but Wood was the team's most dangerous player.
Wood worked well with Altidore all night. Their interplay led to a goal in the 49th goal and gave Mexico's weary back four fits all second half. Wood had another great chance to score later in the second half, but unfortunately turned around and fired a laser right at the keeper.
3. Scoring chances and chippiness led to scintillating match. It seemed like the hype and excitement surrounding this match had no chance of living up to expectations. That idea was far from correct.
Both teams flew up and down the pitch in a whirlwind trying to gain the advantage with an opportunistic strike. Chances flew around both nets all game long, and cards flew out of the referee's pocked faster than an amateur magician show.
In the end, the teams combined for 36 fouls, seven yellow cards and one red card (Mexico). The U.S. forced Mexican goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera to save six shots, and Mexico looked dangerous the entire first half.
This rivalry is starting to usurp all of the rest.