|
 The Americans looked to be in complete control after midfielder
Michael Bradley then striker Chris Wondolwski scored in the first
half but they wilted in the second term.
Mexico, who had not scored a goal against the U.S. since 2011,
pulled back one when veteran defender Rafael Marquez scored, then
leveled when striker Alan Pulido found the net.
The U.S. thought they had regained the lead when substitute forward
Eddie Johnson scored with five minutes to go but the goal was
disallowed for offside, although television replays suggested his
strike should have counted.
"It looked good to me," Bradley told ESPN. "But sometimes these
things work for you and sometimes they work against you.
"From a big picture point of view, we're happy. There were a lot of
positives."
Bradley opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he half-volleyed
a cross from Graham Zusi into the net from the back post.
Then he set up his team's second goal when he headed the ball
towards Wondolwski, who poked it in from close range to double the
American team's lead in the 28th minute.
The Mexicans, who arrived late to the University of Phoenix Stadium
after getting stuck in heavy traffic, found their rhythm in the
second half.
An unmarked Marquez headed home a corner from Marco Fabian four
minutes after the restart then Pulido calmly tapped in a rebound
after Paul Aguilar's angled shot hit the post in the 67th minute.
[to top of second column] |
"Giving away an early goal (in the second half) doesn't help," said
Bradley. "But all in all, I think it was still a good night and
we're looking forward to the World Cup."
The Americans are due to play three more friendlies before they head
to Brazil in June while Mexico, who have also qualified for the
World Cup, have four more practice matches scheduled.
At the June 12-July 13 finals, the U.S. are in Group G with Germany,
Portugal and Ghana, while Mexico are in Group A alongside hosts
Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon.
(Reporting by Julian Linden in New York;
editing by John O'Brien)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
