USMNT v Mexico

While we wait on the line-ups for a stormy night in Columbus, visit the USMNT Blog to scan everyone's previous El Tri experience or some tune-up quotes from yesterday.

I'm not going to do a full LIVE, but I will drop comments at the biggest moments of the contest for those stuck at work or some such other non-television hazard situation. Of course, you can all wake to find my U.S. Player Ratings over at Soccer365.

UPDATE: No surprises in the eleven.

Howard; Hejduk, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce, Bradley, Kljestan, Dempsey, Beasley, Donovan, Ching

Sanchez; Osorio, Marquez, Galindo, Salcido, Pardo, Medina, Augusto, Nery Castillo, Dos Santos, Ochoa

Kickoff is in mere moments. The rain has cleared just in time, but more is expected to roll through...
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FIRST HALF

1'

We are underway.

3'

HUGE early save on Dos Santos by Howard.

23'

Donovan comes close with a danger free kick. The USMNT have the momentum.

34'

Three big events in a short span: the 'Nats escape after a communication breakdown on the back left, Dempsey draws a big Sanchez save from a Donovan knockdown and Castillo leaves for Martinez after (seemingly) popping his hammy.

37'

Howard with a good stop on Medina. Match evening out.

41'

1-0 USA!! Bradley cleans up from a corner kick.
--
SECOND HALF

46'

No changes for either side.

60'

Sinha on for Medina.

65'

Mexico comes close on a free kick into the box. Howard eventually claims as Marquez barrels into the keeper studs up. Instant red is shown, and the U.S. have a man advantage.

Elsewhere, Trinidad & Tobago leads El Salvador 2-0 in the first half.

83'

Altidore in for Ching.

86'

Clark on to spell Kljestan.

90'

Howard's yellow means he misses the next match, so Guzan should start against El Salvador. Three minutes added on...

92'

2-0 USA!!! Bradley caps a counterattack by bagging a knuckleball from 20 meters.

FULL TIME
--

It wasn't always pretty, but it was another 2-0 victory over Mexico. Michael Bradley and Frankie Hejduk are my Men of the Match. You can't make me pick. Click the pic below if you want to save it desktop wallpaper size. Party true and safely, everyone.




- Greg Seltzer