Mexico finally broke the Dos a Cero curse. And more than that, they got a win in Columbus, Ohio. It was a shocker, but one that has El Tri flying high and the U.S. left to wonder what happened.
What did we learn?
Joseph MaioranaJoe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Dos a Cero is finally dead
Dos a Cero hung over Mexico's head. There's no denying it. Former El Tri players even admitted as much, saying that Columbus, Ohio and the repeated 2-0 losses to their rivals there got in the team's head, but Miguel Layun's first-half goal ended that and no longer will that be a problem for El Tri. The U.S. can give them other problems, but not Dos a Cero.
Joseph MaioranaJoe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Juan Carlos Osorio's temperament paid off
Osorio is nicknamed “The Professor” for the academic approach he takes to the game. He also has a cool, calm demeanor. It looked like that paid off for Mexico. Whereas they've been discouraged or even overly excited for matches against the U.S. before, they looked exceedingly comfortable on Friday.
Jim BrownJim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
John Brooks is the Americans' rock
Brooks put on an absolute show at Copa America Centenario and despite a slow start this fall due to injuries, he looked as good as ever against Mexico. It's easy to point out his size and strength, but he also reads the game exceedingly well and is comfortable on the ball. He showed all of that against El Tri, who tested him repeatedly.
Trevor RuszkowskiTrevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Bradley struggled again
The Americans have been able to depend on Bradley for so long that his bad matches reall stand out. Unfortunately, he's had a few of them for the U.S. this year and he wasn't sharp at all against Mexico. He had an awful first half and, even after a better second hald, the U.S. were clearly in need of Bradley at his best.
Trevor RuszkowskiTrevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Hector Herrera is the best midfielder in CONCACAF
We already knew this, but it's always fun to see a midfielder put on a show and Herrera did just that. He was terrific, as per usual.
Kelvin KuoKelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The USMNT needs to find a new goalkeeper
Tim Howard was good before he came off, making a great save to push the ball of the post, but he's 37 years old and his injury highlighted that. The Americans have no idea when he may be done for good. Meanwhile Brad Guzan isn't playing for his club and is hardly ideal even when he is and, after that, there's not a lot. Whether Klinsmann gives Bill Hamid a look, throw Ethan Horvath into the fire or something else, the Americans need to start looking for their next guy.
Joseph MaioranaJoe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Klinsmann got it wrong to start
Jurgen Klinsmann sent the U.S. out in a 3-5-2 to begin the match and the Americans were killed. It was tough on the U.S., who don't have many players used to playing in that system and haven't played it much together. Klinsmann's 27th minute shift to a 4-4-2 helped things a lot. Whether you want to blame him for the bad start or praise him for the smart adjustment is up to you, but there was pretty clearly two different U.S. teams in this match because of Klinsmann's decisions.
Geoff BurkeGeoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Of course it was Rafa Marquez
Marquez has played in all five U.S. vs. Mexico matches in Columbus. He is the one constant and, on top of that, the most hated Mexican to the U.S. team. So if anyone was going to break the hex, of course it was him.
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