Mexico vs. USA Score: American Defense Preserves 1-Goal Win with Stellar Play

Team USA's 1-0 victory over Mexico in Wednesday night's international friendly was made possible by the United States' flawless defense down the stretch.

After Michael Orozco's goal in the 80th minute, the American defenders took their games to another level. Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu, Fabian Johnson and Orozco provided enough support for keeper Tim Howard, and Howard delivered two magnificent saves when it mattered most.

It's not as though the American defenders weren't under pressure. Once Orozco found the back of the net, the game became loosely controlled chaos.

Javier Hernandez and the Mexican attackers were in a frenzy as they furiously attempted to knot the game at one apiece. Team USA could have faltered under the pressure of upholding a one-goal lead, but it only managed to play better.

That play started with Howard. I already mentioned his two excellent saves, but his overall leadership was just as important. He's a 33-year-old veteran, and he's used to playing world-class football.

It showed down the stretch Wednesday night. Mexico had 10 corner kicks in the game overall. On top of that, the Mexicans wound up with 19 shots overall. Granted only two of those shots were on net, but did I mention that Howard turned them away?

Howard definitely wasn't alone. Cameron was stellar from his defensive position, and Edu was, as well, despite earning a yellow card earlier in the contest.

Adding to that was Orozco. He will be remembered for scoring the decisive goal in this contest, but he also provided stability on the backside in this game's waning minutes. With both sides facing fatigue, Orozco gave Team USA's defenders a needed fresh body late in the game.

It's only a friendly, and the results don't necessarily matter, but a win is always preferable to a loss. Howard's saves will be remembered by anyone who happened to catch this one, and Orozco's game-winning goal will be, as well.

Mexico gave its all for the length of this contest, but it couldn't break through because of Team USA's consistent play in its own end. Mexico had its chances, but the American side kept its cool under duress.