US pull off miracle in Mexico City

The United States soccer team had never won in Mexico City, NEVER. In 75 years of competition the Americans did not win a single match in the Estadio Azteca, that was until last night.

With some well timed subs by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann the US came away with the 1-0 victory. The loss left the Mexican squad in disarray when they should have been celebrating their Olympic gold medal.


For most of the contest the US fended off repeated attempts from a determined Mexican squad looking to keep the momentum going from last week's victory in London. However, as the time ticked on a draw became more and more likely.

In the 80th minute though American Michael Orozco Fiscal received a back heel pass from Terrence Boyd and put it in the net to give the US a 1-0 lead. An attacking Brek Shea set up the goal with a nifty cross to Boyd after making his way past the Mexican defense. Shea, who entered the match in the 78th minute, was making his first appearance since returning after six months away from the team. 

Fiscal, who plays for the Mexican club San Luis, came into the game as a defender and scored his first goal in international play.

Mexico honored there Olympic gold medalists during the half, but the positive energy surrounding Estadio Azteca did not help them get the ball past US goalie Tim Howard.  Howard saved the game for his team with a pair of spectacular saves late in the match.

During the 89th minute Howard made a diving stop on a shot by Mexico's Chicharito keep the ball out of the net. Howard was on his game all night, and his play helped the US get their biggest win of 2012.

Now with wins in Italy and Mexico the US squad is starting to get noticed in the FIFA world, and for Klinsmann it comes as further validation that his unique defense is working. It is also a hopeful sign for future success in the 2014 World Cup in Rio.