World Football: United States to Face Mexico in Philly Friendly

The longstanding rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico is set to continue. On August 10, less than two months after their last meeting, the Yanks and El Tri will play each other at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. It will be the 60th meeting between the two North American squads.

On the heels of winning the Gold Cup with only 17 players, Mexico is currently competing in Copa América. They sit in last place in their group after losing to both Chile and Peru.

However, their inability to win could be attributed to a prostitution scandal that prevented 8 players from competing in the tournament, and a lack of experience. Only three players on their roster have more than 10 caps. Giovanni Dos Santos is the only one over 20. 

If their players can stay out of trouble and José Manuel de la Torre can field a team with the solid young core of Chicharito, G. Dos Santos, Pablo Barrera and Andrés Guardado, Mexico has a great chance to win and extend their overall series lead, which sits at 33-15-11.

Although it’s just a friendly, the U.S. will have a lot to prove. It will be the first match since their self-destruction to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final. It won’t necessarily be redemptive because after all it is just a friendly, but it will show whether the Yanks, depending on who plays (or can play) for Mexico, can withstand formidable competition.

Having eked by teams like Guadalupe and Panama in the Gold Cup, a big win against Mexico may sway those unsure of the Yanks’ ability to compete with, and be among the World’s best.

Obviously, rosters have not been selected for this match, but it will be interesting to see if Bob Bradley will either tweak or overhaul the U.S. back line. Throughout the Gold Cup it was fairly obvious that the U.S. defense was not up to par. After 20-25 minutes of the Final, Mexico chewed up the Yanks defense on route to 4 unanswered goals.

Giving the 2009 MLS Rookie of Year Omar Gonzalez and German-born Timothy Chandler an opportunity in the August friendly may come to benefit Bob Bradley and the Yanks.