For the past eight years the U.S. national team has had the upper hand against their fiercest hemispherical rivals. But head coach Bob Bradley knew his young team would need to play with elevated speed and skill to keep a spotless home record Wednesday against Mexico in front of a mostly hostile crowd at Houston's Reliant Stadium.
What he ended up with was a mixed bag of highs and lows that probably left more questions than answers, despite the 2-2 draw that saw the squad move to 8-0-2 against their southern neighbors since 2000.
"This was a good game, with excellent pace, and it's the kind of game that helps us grow as a team," Bradley said. "It was disappointing to have the lead twice and come away with a 2-2. Against their pressure, our ability to play faster and connect faster was important, and I think that is certainly something we need to improve."
Bradley gave Jozy Altidore his first national team start in only his third appearance ever at the senior international level. The move paid off in the 40th minute with an impressive header from a cross by Drew Moor, putting the USA up 2-1 going into the half.
"It was a very good ball by Moor, and certainly an excellent piece of finishing by Jozy," Bradley said. "The ability to see where the ball is coming, and holding off defenders is an area he needs to keep improving."
Defensive lapses ruined hopes for a home victory as Mexico's Jonny Magallon netted a brace, both from deadball situations.
"Mexico's delivery was quite good on the set pieces," Bradley said. "That's a challenge when you come together quickly before a game. Tonight they were able to take advantage twice. His (Moor's) positioning was not great in those two situations, but it was more reaction in that situation. You need to react faster at this level."
Commenting on the areas that need most improvement as the USA heads toward the opening of World Cup qualifying later this year, Bradley said, "The main thing for me is our ability to play faster, play the right pass in tight spaces, and have better movement off the ball so the second and third passes can happen quicker.
"These kind of games are what the players look forward to," Bradley added. "As coaches we know these are what we need to look at players. There were periods where we had the edge, periods where they had the edge. They play well under pressure. The battle in midfield is always intense against Mexico -- there is no space."
The "old man" of the squad, Landon Donovan, was relatively quiet after assisting on Oguchi Onyewu's opener in the 30th minute. He was harassed on the wing and couldn't get the space he has managed in previous outings as the Mexico midfield played high-pressure defense.
"They never slowed down really," Donovan said. "It was crazy. We did a decent job of putting the ball in areas we needed to, but we never got control of the game. But all in all, if we don't give up two set piece goals, we probably win the game. That is a little frustrating."
Mexico's forward pressure put U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard in the spotlight, but it was nothing he didn't expect. Fending off a slew of shots and making six saves, Howard admitted that the match was a bit more important than the title "friendly" would suggest.
"The most important thing is that we kept the streak going," Howard said. "They needed the win more than we did. It's always gonna be passionate and emotional, that's the difficult part, trying to keep your nerve. It is always going to be a good game, no matter how the two teams play."
Miscommunication played a big part in the Mexico comeback, something Howard readily acknowledged was attributable to unfamiliarity.
"We were still not good enough on defense. There was a bit of miscommunication. We will work on that and get it right next time," he said.
Howard added, "Hands down this atmosphere far surpasses the atmosphere in the English Premier League. It's intense. The crowds are good in England, but this is the best I have played in. The sheer numbers makes it different."
Glen McMicken is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
