The fifth time was the charm for Mexico in Columbus, OH. After four straight 2-0 losses to the United States in Ohio, El Tri finally broke through with a 2-1 win thanks to goals by Miguel Layun and Rafa Marquez.
How did each of Mexico's players do?
Alfredo Talavera – 6
Talavera didn't exactly inspire confidence with some awkward saves, but he made all of them except one and was well-positioned all night. Juan Carlos Osorio won't be regretting his choice to start Talavera in net.
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Miguel Layun – 9
First, Layun scored the opener. Then, he hit the corner kick that Marquez nodded home for the match-winner. In between he was active, covered a ton of ground, held his own defensively and helped Mexico attack with pace. It was a terrific showing.
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Hector Moreno – 7.5
Moreno is Mexico's best defender. He's probably the best defender in CONCACAF. And if you doubt that, check out how calm and easily he handled everything the U.S. threw at him.
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Rafa Marquez – 7
How much weight do you give a goal? A lot, when it's an 89th minute winner over your rival. Marquez struggled for most of the match and looked every bit the 37-year-old he is, but Mexico are only winners because of him.
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Diego Reyes – 5
Reyes made a couple fine plays, showing why he can be so highly thought of. But he was also sloppy too often and was subbed off because of it. Consistency remains an issue for Reyes.
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Andres Guardado – N/A
Guardado didn't even make it 30 minutes because of an injury.
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Hector Herrera – 6
This wasn't Herrera's best match by any means, but he showed how good he is because he made a big impact even when he struggled. He probably should have drawn a penalty when Omar Gonzalez's tackle got Herrera's ankle, but the Mexican over-exaggerated the contact and instead of a penalty kick, he got a yellow card.
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Jesus Manuel "Tecatito" Corona – 7
The only reason Tecatito didn't score was an amazing stretch by Tim Howard and the post. Still, Tecatito was terrific and, especially early on, the U.S. couldn't keep tabs on him.
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Carlos Vela – 7.5
Vela was recalled to the national team for the first time in a year and Mexico have to be thrilled he was in the team against the U.S. He dominated the right wing and had it not been for the crossbar, would have had a goal to show for it.
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Giovani dos Santos – 7
Early on, dos Santos gave the U.S. fits. He kept finding space in between the midfield and defense. It was his constant threat that helped lead the Americans to changing their formation. Even after the change, dos Santos was effective and it was his press that forced the turnover for Mexico's opening goal.
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Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez – 5.5
Chicharito was MIA for much of the match, but his movement did create space for his teammates and he drew some fousl in dangerous spaces.
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Carlos Salcedo – 7
Salcedo came in for the injured Guardado and played really well for an hour. He had a crucial clearance and was generally dependable all match long. That is until he picked up a second yellow card and was sent off, but the match was nearly over and it didn't impact anything so it's hard to downgrade him for it.
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Hugo Ayala – 4
Ayala was responsible on the Americans' lone goal and did little else to impress. He came on for an underperfoming Reyes and didn't show himself to be any better.
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Hirving Lozano – 6
How do you grade a player who didn't even play 20 minutes? Well when you're a 21-year-old who nearly set up a goal and pushed the U.S. defense deeper because of his threat, you're doing something right.
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Juan Carlos Osorio – 8
There are two aspects to Osorio's grade:
– His tactical work, which was good from the outset, before his substitutions didn't do so well. We'll call that one a mixed bag.
– His psychological work, which was perfect. The Mexicans were calm, assured and completely bought into what they were doing, with no risk of overexcitement, rash challenges or any struggles under pressure.
Considering how much Dos a Cero hung over Mexico and how El Tru cruised while the U.S. were a little overextended, the latter is especially impressive.
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