USA draw Mexico 1-1 at Estadio Azteca

The USA gave it their all, and in the end Bruce Arena’s team came out of Mexico City with a draw, tying the Mexican National Team 1-1 Sunday night at the famed Estadio Azteca inside Mexico City.

The US came out in a defensive 3-5-2, with the intent of absorbing pressure and breaking on the counter-attack.

And yet, no one could have predicted how the game would begin. Six minutes into the match, Michael Bradley intercepted a ball at the midfield stripe, took a quick glance up and with a single touch gently pushed a 35-yard chip over Memo Ochoa and into the net to send the Azteca crowd into stunned silence while the American Outlaws celebrated high in the stands.

The Americans were playing with confidence as the shape held firm against the dangerous Mexican attack, but the US would be kicking themselves when a missed Bobby Wood chance from close range resulted in a Carlos Vela solo run, and the player who controversially parted ways with the federation for some time buried a low shot past a frustrated Brad Guzan.

The second half was nervy as both teams had close calls, notably when Hector Herrera and Michael Bradley hit the woodwork minutes apart, but the US would escape Mexico City with a point.