USA vs Mexico score, highlights, as USMNT get late goal in 1-1 draw, extend unbeaten run vs El Tri

Simon Borg

USA vs Mexico score, highlights, as USMNT get late goal in 1-1 draw, extend unbeaten run vs El Tri image

A rare but spectacular counterattack led to a late goal as the U.S. men's national team salvaged a 1-1 draw against Mexico in a high-profile friendly on Wednesday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Mexico nearly doubled their lead in the 81st minute when a Carlos Rodriguez curler hit the woodwork, only for the Americans to go immediately down the field and score an unexpected equalizer.

U.S. left back Sergino Dest made a mazy dribbling run past several Mexican players, before dumping the ball to second-half sub Alan Sonora, who in turn found Jordan Morris on the left flank. The current MLS top scorer whipped in a beautiful outside-the-boot, far-post cross to find Jesus Ferreira, who applied the one-time finish for his eighth international goal.

After an uneventful first half controlled by El Tri, Mexico found the opening goal just 10 minutes after the break. Mexico's Uriel Antuna stripped U.S. central defender Aaron Long of the ball, and had a free run at goal before depositing into the back of the net.

El Tri came close to doubling their lead on a long-distance shot from midfielder Erick Sanchez which preceded Rodriguez hitting the woodwork. They incredibly went from going 2-0 up, to conceding the 1-1 equalizer on the same play. Now the Americans are undefeated in their last five games against Mexico.

"We got a lot of competitions coming up against them [Mexico] and it's something that will stay in the back of their head," said veteran U.S. defender DeAndre Yedlin in reference to the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal set for June.

MORE: Five U.S. players who had the most riding on the friendly vs. Mexico

USA vs Mexico final score

  Final
USA 1
Mexico 1

Goals:
MEX -— Uriel Antuna — 55th min.
USA -— Jesus Ferreira (Jordan Morris) -— 82nd min.

Lineups:

USA (4-2-3-1): 1. Johnson (GK) — 22. Yedlin, 3. Zimmerman, 5. Long (4. Miazga 70'), 2. Dest — 6. Sands, 23. Acosta — 13. J. Morris, 9. Ferreira, 14. Cowell (10. Sonora 64') — 19. Vazquez (11-A. Morris 64').

Mexico (5-2-3): 1. Acevedo (GK) — 22. J. Araujo, 3. Reyes, 2. N. Araujo, 14. Guzman, 23. Gallardo — 6. E. Sanchez, 24. Chavez — 7. Antuna, 9. De La Rosa (11. Herrera 86'), 10. Vega (8. C. Rodriguez 75').

Mexico say they were the better team

There was no question that El Tri was desperate to taste victory once more against the USA, and arguably deserved it based on the balance of the performance. But ultimately, they were stunned by a U.S. team that just doesn't give up no matter how adverse the circumstances in these rivalry matches. 

But Mexico boss Diego Cocca, who was reportedly already under pressure after a 2-2 home draw against Jamaica in the previous outing (only his second in charge), is not letting the final result take away from what he thought was a strong performance. 

"There were many good things that happened. I look at the glass as half-full," Cocca said postgame, lamenting his team's inability to cut out the U.S. transition attack that led to their goal, perhaps even with a foul. "We were up for it. We had personality. We played our game, and we had chances to put the game away. ... In general, we were superior, and I liked the personality of the team.

"Today we were superior," Cocca repeated. "Against Jamaica we hit the bar twice and today once. We can't control that. But if we continue with this personality, the results will come. We're on the right track."

Mexico formation catches USA by surprise

U.S. interim manager Anthony Hudson admitted that the five-man backline setup that Mexico deployed on Wednesday was not one he expected. 

That tactical set-up by Mexico made it hard for the American players to get pressure on the ball and cause turnovers. Hudson and U.S. players pointed out how that lack of pressure was a big reason that El Tri had the upper hand for most of the match. So the USA eventually moved to a five-man backline as well to counteract the effects.

"I thought it helped us to get pressure on the ball and, as a result, it allowed us to keep the ball more," Hudson said postgame. "I have to give credit to Mexico. I thought they were really good tonight. We knew the game was going to be chaotic and intense, but I felt the [formation] change in the end, the [U.S.] players really responded well."

Is Jesus Ferreira a No. 10 or a center forward?

It's a sign of a special player that Ferreira can go invisible for long stretches of the match and still prove sharp enough to make the big play near the end of a frustrating night. 

The FC Dallas attacker started the match operating behind center forward Brandon Vazquez, and then was the central striker himself after Vazquez was subbed off. 

Hudson admitted that the USMNT is still figuring out what role fits Ferreira best with the USMNT, though they appreciate his game smarts. 

"I got to be honest, I don't know. We're still searching," Hudson said of Ferreira's ideal position. "One of his biggest qualities is he's a very intelligent player. A smart player. Good at linking up the play and arriving in the box ... He's a different profile of a striker and attacking player."

USA vs Mexico live updates, highlights from friendly

Final: USA 1-1 Mexico

92nd min.: Penalty Mexico? Substitute Ozziel Herrera goes down in the U.S. box on a challenge from James Sands. But the referee isn't going for it and the replays showed that Herrera went down way too easily.

89th min.: YELLOW card to USA's Walker Zimmerman. He commits a foul near midfield to stop a Mexico attack. And it's a veteran move and good yellow card for the USA captain. He did what Mexico failed to do on the USA goal.

82nd min.: Goal USA! After Mexico hit the woodwork, the USA go right down the field and score! Sergino Dest goes on a mazy dribbling run, and then Alan Sonora feeds a fantastic pass to Jordan Morris, who picks out Jesus Ferreira at the far post. A sensational U.S. attack!

79th min.: Chance Mexico. And now it's Mexico midfielder Erick Sanchez letting fly and nearly scores a stunner.

74th min.: Chance Mexico! It's Roberto de la Rosa with the shot from outside the box and Sean Johnson with the tip save. Mexico sensing there's an opportunity here for another to put the game away. 

69th min.: YELLOW card to USA's Alan Sonora. After the American sub nearly threaded a ball to Jesus Ferreira, who couldn't control it, he gets a yellow for a stray arm that barely grazed the face of Uriel Antuna.

64th min.: SUBS USA. Much needed subs for the USA as Alan Sonora comes on as well as Aidan Morris. Out of the game are center forward Brandon Vazquez and winger Cade Cowell. Jesus Ferreira going to the center forward position.

55th min.: Goal Mexico! Uriel Antuna strips the ball from U.S. center back Aaron Long and has half the field in front of him. The Mexico speedster was off to the races, and slotted it past U.S. goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the 1-on-1.

Credit Antuna, who read the backpass by Kellyn Acosta toward Long and was committed to winning that ball.

53rd min.: Each team has six subs they can make. This match is screaming for some new energy. The teams are playing with the same rhythm entering the break. No real urgency just yet to start the 2nd half.

47th min.: Chance USA. A Cade Cowell shot takes a deflection inside the box, but Jordan Morris can't coordinate himself on a follow-up volley and the ball goes wayward.

46th min.: Back underway. No changes.

Halftime: USA 0-0 Mexico

Halftime: The USA started strong and left Mexico frazzled to start with their press, but El Tri slowly gained control of the game as the minutes went by. However, Mexico's attacks didn't really trouble the USA much, outside of a couple of set pieces, a couple of shots by midfielder Luis Chavez, and a handful of attacking runs from Mexico right wingback Julian Araujo.

But all-in-all, not a great half of action from either team. It's hard to see any attackers who can rise up and take control of this game, though Mexico's Alexis Vega is definitely capable of it. USMNT attacking mid Jesus Ferreira has been anonymous, and winger Cade Cowell has gone missing after the first 10 minutes.

"It wasn't a great first half. I think there's one or two things we need to fix in terms of our shape," U.S. manager Anthony Hudson told TBS. "We need to fix a few things for sure."

Here's all you need to know about that first half:

43rd min.: Mexico chance. On a curling, set-piece delivery from Luis Chavez into the box, Mexico's Israel Reyes nearly reaches it, but the ball goes out of play.

35th min.: Good defensive play Sergino Dest. He sees a pass into Mexico's Uriel Antuna the entire way and he is there to intercept it in the box. That could've been a lot more dangerous if not for Dest's intervention.

30th min.: At the half-hour mark, it's been a pretty even match. Credit the USA for defending hard. Mexico have had a few half chances, but nothing that has troubled U.S. goalkeeper Sean Johnson outside of the one Luis Chavez shot that went wide.

Both teams could use a bit more creativity, combinations, and take-ons from their attackers. It's all been predictable so far on both sides.

23rd min.: Mexico's Julian Araujo gets a talking to from the referee after ramming into the back of James Sands in midfield. Sands is slow to get up. Araujo looks up for this game and has been plenty active.

19th min.: Chance Mexico. Luis Chavez moves upfield and gets the ball back at the top of the box after a give-and-go. He lets it rip with a patented left-footed drive, but it finishes wide. Chavez is aggressive and can set the tone for El Tri.

12th min.: It's been a chaotic start to this one. The USA came out pressing high and Mexico have looked to counter at speed.

El Tri have been looking for right wingback Julian Araujo twice already. He's going up Sergino Dest and that projects to be the biggest matchup on the night that can swing the course of the game.

4th min.: Chance USA. Jordan Morris makes a run down the heart of the Mexico defense, fed by a Cade Cowell through ball. Mexico 'keeper comes out to challenge and the ball caroms off Morris and just misses going in!

1st min.: We're underway. And inside the first 30 seconds, there's a collision of heads between ex-LA Galaxy man Julian Araujo and FC Cincinnati forward Brandon Vazquez.

2 minutes from kickoff: Anthems are out of the way. Kickoff is just around the corner. The referee will be Bryan Lopez of Guatemala.

7 minutes from kickoff: Teams are on the field. But before anthems, there's a message from the two captains on the field: Carlos Acevedo (Mexico) and Walker Zimmerman (USA).

"We stand against all forms of discrimination. We ask that you join us and show what soccer is all about. Inclusivity and respect on and off the field," were Zimmerman's comments clearly directed at the fans that have engaged in the homophobic chant on goal kicks.

16 minutes from kickoff: Here's the scene from State Farm Stadium.

24 minutes from kickoff: How about this piece of news on a rivalry day. The USA and Mexico announce they're teaming up to submit a bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

According to the Mexican federation, the host is expected to be announced in May 2024.

29 minutes from kickoff: Celebrating his birthday today is Mexico starting goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo. We'll see if the USA oblige on his 27th.

38 minutes from kickoff: Such is the state of the Mexican national team that a reputable outlet is questioning whether Diego Cocca is coaching for his job tonight. El Tri just hired him.

60 minutes from kickoff: Lineups are in. No surprises from either side. Roberto de la Rosa gets the start up to for Mexico. Brandon Vazquez for the USA.

Two hours from kickoff: Take in the pregame press conference from Anthony Hudson, who gave the latest updates on the U.S. roster that was called up for the game, including 17-year-old defender Joshua Wynder:

MORE: Complete USA roster for friendly vs. Mexico

USMNT vs Mexico lineups

With only one true left back on the roster in 18-year-old Caleb Wiley, it's the two-footed Sergino Dest who will be lining up out of position at left back. Cristian Roldan and Paul Arriola were called up but withdrew after picking up injuries, with only Paxton Pomykal summoned to fill in.

USA starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 1. Johnson (GK) — 22. Yedlin, 3. Zimmerman, 5. Long, 2. Dest — 6. Sands, 23. Acosta — 13. Morris, 9. Ferreira, 14. Cowell — 19. Vazquez.

USA subs (11): 12. Roman Celentano (GK), 20. Drake Callender (GK), 4. Matt Miazga, 7. Paxton Pomykal, 8- Jackson Yueill, 10. Alan Sonora, 11. Aidan Morris, 15. Caleb Wiley, 16. Julian Gressel, 18. Shaq Moore, 21. Josh Wynder

Manager Diego Cocca opted not to call up Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, instead giving the nod to two 23-year-old forwards: Toluca's Ivan Lopez and Pachuca's Roberto de la Rosa, who both play in Liga MX. It's De La Rosa who gets the start. At the back, California-born FC Barcelona right back Julian Araujo will feature at that position, with Pachuca's Kevin Alvarez starting on the bench.

Mexico starting lineup (5-2-3): 1. Carlos Acevedo (GK) — 22. Julian Araujo, 3. Israel Reyes, 2. Nestor Araujo, 14. Victor Guzman, 23. Jesus Gallardo — 6. Erick Sanchez, 24. Luis Chavez — 7. Uriel Antuna, 9. Roberto De La Rosa, 10. Alexis Vega.

Mexico subs (12): 12. Jose Antonio Rodriguez (GK), 13. Luis Angel Malagon (GK), 4. Gilberto Sepulveda, 19. Omar Campos, 5. Kevin Alvarez, 15. Alan Cervantes, 16. Fernando 'Nene' Beltran, 26. Aldo Rocha, 8. Carlos 'Charly' Rodriguez, 11. Ozziel Herrera, 20. Efrain Alvarez, 25. Edgar Ivan Lopez.

MORE: USMNT updated 2023 schedule

USA vs Mexico live stream, TV channel

  • Date: Wednesday, April 19
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET (kickoff at 10:22 p.m. ET)
  • TV channel: TBS, Telemundo, Universo
  • Streaming: Fubo, HBO Max, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, Watch TBS, Universo NOW.

The match will be televised in the United States on TBS in English and both Telemundo and Universo in Spanish.

All three channels are available to stream on Fubo, which is available on a free trial for new users. 

Authenticated users (those with cable, satellite or telco packages) can also find the stream on Watch TBS, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, Peacock, and Universo Now.

There is also an English-language stream for HBO Max subscribers and a Spanish-language stream for Peacock subscribers.

Simon Borg

Simon Borg Photo

Simon Borg is a senior editor at The Sporting News who has covered football/soccer for over a decade. A supporter of Italian club Parma Calcio from his years growing up in Europe, he was previously a long-time member of Major League Soccer's digital media team, as a multimedia content producer, on-air personality, and Editor-in-Chief. Based in New York City, Borg is multilingual and has covered the domestic and global scene for TSN since 2021.