Mexico vs USA: Score, Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis for Friendly

The U.S. soccer team stunned Mexico on Wednesday in a 1-0 victory to earn their first ever victory on Mexican soil. This was their 25th attempt to win in Mexico—a stretch that spanned 75 years. 

Mexico dominated possession in this match, but a nice effort by the U.S. defense and backline left the Mexican team with nothing to show for it. Despite all of this, the U.S. couldn't manage to get anything going. 

That is until the 80th minute when FC Dallas' Brek Shea, who just entered the match in the 78th minute, broke open down the left side while approaching the keeper's box and centered a pass to Terrance Boyd. Boyd, who was facing Shea, did a quick touch and blindly backheeled a touch right to Michael Orozco, who netted the fairly easy look. 

While this was just a friendly, it is a big win for the Americans' confidence. It unloaded a huge monkey from its back with this win, and it laid the blueprint for how the team can succeed in big matches.

In the past year, the U.S. has played 15 matches. The team scored more than one goal just three times in those 15 contests. However, it is playing wonderful defense—that will keep the team in matches—like it did in this match. 

Twitter Reaction 

This has been mentioned, but it bares repeating—I'll let ESPN have the honors. 

"

Coming in to tonight, the USA was 0-23-1 when playing Mexico in Mexico. They're now 1-23-1. #USMNT

— ESPN (@espn) August 16, 2012"

How badly has the U.S. been outmatched by Mexico recently? Well this fan puts it in perspective. 

"

The score line for the last 15 meetings #USAvMEX - Mexico: 45 USA: 4 #ouch

— Samantha Sliney (@SamHamNoPants) August 16, 2012"

Columnist Ives Galarcep gave a nice recap of the first half. 

"

HALFTIME- USA 0, Mexico 0. Plenty of possession for Mexico, strong defending from the USA, with Cameron looking very good. No USA offense

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) August 16, 2012"

This fan was wonderfully succinct when summing up the pre-80th minute action in this match.

"

the mexico game vs usa is boring

— nesss. (@_nesstor) August 16, 2012"

Ms. Unique comes in with this hard-hitting analysis. It has nothing to do with the play on the pitch, but it is hard hitting nonetheless. 

"

What's up with the jerseys USA is wearing, they look like candy canes... SMH USA vs. Mexico

— Ms. Unique (@uniquemommy24) August 16, 2012"

Ms. Unique's criticisms are certainly valid, although when I first turned on the match I was excited, as I had finally found Waldo. 

Highlights

Well we've talked about the U.S.' historic goal, now take a look at this nifty play for an improbable score. 

Of course, this goal would have all been for naught had Tim Howard not made two marvelous saves. His second:

Grades

Mexico

Javier Hernandez: C

In the 75th minute, Chicharito missed the goal on a header off a well-placed cross. This was not the kind of chance that this goal-scoring maestro typically misses. 

Hernandez was active and looked strong, but he was just off and couldn't come up big when his team needed him. 

USA

Geoff Cameron: A

Cameron was vital to this excellent defensive effort. He spent a lot of time frustrating Chicharito and every other Mexican player who attempted to do some damage. 

He was especially huge in the first half, and if it wasn't for him, there is no way that the Americans would have held Mexico off the scoreboard. He made a serious case to Jurgen for more PT going forward. 

Tim Howard: A+

With the match winding down, Mexico went on full attack, and it earned them several good looks, but Howard wasn't having it. 

The veteran goalkeeper made two spectacular saves to preserve this watershed victory. It was an extraordinary performance.   

What's Next

The Americans will next take the pitch on September 7 as they travel to take on Jamaica. Mexico will also take the pitch on September 7, traveling to take on Costa Rica.