Mexico vs USA: What Americans Must Learn from Stunning Victory

The United States must turn their stunning victory into not just a great moment, but a defining one. There 1-0 win in Mexico on Wednesday provides plenty for the Americans to learn from and build on as we draw closer to the 2014 World Cup. 

Now, while this was a huge victory, let's not all get too carried away. The U.S.spent almost this entire match being outplayed. Mexico dominated possession 66 percent to 34, out-shot them 19-7, and took 10 corner kicks to the Americans impressive total of an even zero. 

Yet, here we are with a win that was 75 years in the making to put the American's record against El Tri in Mexico at 1-23-1. 

Here are few things they must learn to continue to find big victories. 

Geoff Cameron Brings Needed Physicality 

Geoff Cameron's borderline national player status needs an upgrade. He was impressive, aggressive, and wildly efficient as the American backline did yeoman's work. 

He was a thorn in the side of Javier Hernandez all night with tackles and shoulder bumps. While his play was teetering on the verge of a penalty, it was worth the risk for the needed attitude. 

Cameron also showed nice awareness and in the 56th minute he headed away a deadly cross coming in to set up Hernandez for an easy shot. 

With the U.S. playing with two centerbacks, Cameron brought a nice dimension, and it only adds to the options at Jurgen Klinsmann's disposal. 

Counter-Attacking Belief

Let's face it, the U.S. is not an offensive squad. Over the past year, in 15 matches, the U.S. has scored more than one goal just three times. 

But they are developing a stellar defense, and they can score off of that. While the Americans have to do a better job with possession than they did In this match, they aren't a team that is going to win that battle very often.

This means the U.S. has to find the quick scores of counter attacks.

Against Mexico, the Americans held Mexico to just 11 completed crosses on 39 attempts, and that is exactly the kind of defense they need to launch their counter attacks.  

This match will help build belief in that system. 

Brek Shea isn't a Lost Cause

FC Dallas’ Brek Shea has had a wild year. He hasn't played on the national team since February 29, and during that time he has also gotten heated with his coach FC Dallas coach when pulled out of a match, and in another incident, he kicked a ball at an assistant referee.

Yet here he was with a chance to prove himself again, and he wasted no time doing so.

He entered the contest in the 78th minute. In the 80th minute he broke down the defense to create Michael Orozco's match-winning goal.

His talent is still there. Klinsmann now must do what he can to ensure Shea keeps going in the right direction.