The American Outlaws sang the typical refrain on Wednesday night in San Antonio, Texas, when the U.S. National Team faced Mexico in a friendly in front of a mixed crowd of 64,369.
For the ninth time since 2000, the U.S. emerged with a 2-0 victory – “dos a cero” to those that follow the rivalry. Real Salt Lake’s duo of Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando both started for Jurgen Klinsmann in the 64th match between the U.S. and Mexico, with Rimando playing the first 45 minutes while Beckerman played 62 minutes.
Rimando kept a clean sheet in the first half, making a key save in the 42nd minute on a left-footed shot from near the top of the box. It was his fifth consecutive start for the U.S. and 21st career cap.
Beckerman started at the holding midfield spot in the four-man diamond midfield and broke up much of Mexico’s attacking opportunities, leading the team with six first-half tackles. However, he was subbed off in the 63rd minute with a left thigh contusion. He will be evaluated upon his return to Utah on Thursday when his availability for Saturday’s match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Twenty-year-old Stanford University forward Jordan Morris scored in his first start, netting the first goal in the match in the 49th minute. Then New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo scored the second goal in the 72nd minute to put the game out of reach.
The U.S. is now 3-0-3 in its last six matches against Mexico, all under Klinsmann. The next match for the U.S. in preparations for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup beginning July 7.
