If things fall into place, US national team supporters could be in for the tastiest of World Cup appetizers: USA vs. Mexico.
Online reports are claiming it's a done deal for April 2 in Phoenix, but the U.S. Soccer Federation was not in position to confirm specifics.
"We are in discussions about a match in April, but at this point have not locked in a date or location," USSF spokesman Neil Buethe told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday.
Since an April friendly would not fall on a FIFA fixture date like the USA's March 5 trip to Ukraine, both sides would consist of domestic players. And it would give Klinsmann one final chance to look at many of the MLS players currently featuring in January camp in preparation for Saturday's match against Korea Republic at StubHub Center (5 pm ET, ESPN2/UniMas).
The last time the USA faced Mexico, the Americans came out on top by the familiar scoreline of 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Columbus Crew Stadium. The result allowed Jurgen Klinsmann's side to clinch a berth in the 2014 World Cup, where the Americans kick off their participation against Ghana on June 16.
Mexico would also eventually qualify for the big dance, but only after getting a helping hand from the USMNT, who beat Panama on the final day to allow El Tri to advance to the continental playoff vs. New Zealand.
The two border rivals have already faced each other in Phoenix once before at the University of Phoenix Stadium. There were 62,424 on hand back on Feb. 7, 2007, and of course, the US were winners. 2-0.
