The United States Men’s National Team escaped from the Estadio Azteca without losing Sunday night, as they held Mexico to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Qualifier.
United States began the game with momentum, as they found their way to the back of the net first. Midfielder Michael Bradley caught goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa off his line and chipped in the goal to take the lead in the sixth minute. Bradley became the sixth American player to score at the Azteca, and the goal was his fourth against Mexico.
The Americans have never won a World Cup Qualifier at the Azteca, and were poised early on to make history. The Mexican team, however, would not remain stagnant. After a United States corner, El Tri regained possession and forward Carlos Vela struck the ball into the net for the tie at the 23rd minute.
The first half finished in a stand still. Mexico held control of the game in the second half. Possession finished with a 74 to 26 percent split in favor of Juan Carlos Osorio’s squad. Although Mexico had more shots on goal, 10-7, the US delivered more shots on goal (2-1).
This was the first game in their last five matchups where both teams were held to one goal apiece. In recent matchups, the US has a 2-1-1 upperhand against Mexico. Their last World Cup Qualifier finished with a 2-1 loss for America.
After the draw, Bruce Arena and the Americans find themselves in third place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal standings, behind Costa Rica and Mexico. Costa Rica holds a one point lead in the goal difference category. The top three teams on the table will advance to the World Cup. Panama, who sits at fourth on the table, can leap into third place with a win against Honduras.
According to ESPN’s Soccer Power Index, the US has an 81.1 percent chance to advance to the World Cup. They return to action in an International Friendly next month versus Ghana.