It was just a "friendly". Mexico sent their B/C squad. The USMNT didn't even make the World Cup. All of that didn't matter at full time when the Americans walked off the field with a 1-0 win over their regional rivals.
We NEEDED that win. After Trinidad & Tobago. After sitting our on butts this summer U.S. men's fans just wanted a sliver of happiness to start putting the pieces of their broken hearts back together.
We got it in the form of Matt Miazga "Gooching" Diego Lainez after a confrontation in the 65th minute
MATT MIAZGA LOVES US SHOWED IT BY PROVIDING THE GOOCH STARE DOWN FOR THIS GENERATION pic.twitter.com/bHcMTFrNPu
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) September 12, 2018
We also got it in the form of a nearly 30 yard run from Tyler Adams to etch his name in US-Mexico lore.
When it comes to playing Mexico.... a win is a win is a win is a win.
The #AOFamily can take a deep breath... the healing has begun.
We’re here for these moments.
We’re here for the future. pic.twitter.com/DHTzpy2qkE
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) September 12, 2018
THE HIGHLIGHTS
THE REVIEWS
Brian Straus (Sports Illustrated) - "Late Spark Boosts USMNT in Win vs. Mexico But Doesn't Mask Deeper Issues"
Sam Stejskal (MLSSoccer.com) - "Rivalry reignited, but questions remain for US after Mexico win"
"A heated match like Tuesday’s is a good chance for a team to grow, and the young USMNT side will take some confidence out of the win. Miazga, Adams and head coach Dave Sarachan all felt like the Americans showed solid character, battled bravely and defended well against a similarly experimental Mexico team, and they all said they'll carry some solid takeaways into next month’s friendlies against Colombia and Peru."
Arch Bell (ESPNFC.com) - "Tyler Adams gives U.S. youth a 1-0 win over Mexico in fiery friendly"
"It was a nice moment for this young group of Yanks -- beating Mexico is always a positive -- but it does not cover up what was largely a listless performance."
William Neal (Stars and Stripes FC) - "Tyler Adams saves the day"
"This result is impressive because it shows us that the USMNT will find a way to win. It was not the prettiest game and it was not the best game, but in the end, they scored the goal. This tells you this team does not quit and they are hungry to win."
THE RATINGS
Brian Sciaretta (AmericanSoccerNow.com)
Submit your own ratings and pick man-of-the-match at Stars and Stripes FC