Tonight's the night. I mean, sure, last Friday's game was important too. Whenever your team has a chance to earn 3 points it's a very important game. But tonight is the big USA - Mexico rivalry game that also happens to be a World Cup Qualifying match. There are few games bigger than the one played tonight in terms of this rivalry. If the two ever meet in the actual World Cup? Sure. The Gold Cup final? Probably, depending on the year. Regardless, make no mistake, tonight's game will be intense.
Here's the information:
General Information
Watch it on: ESPN, WatchESPN
Kick off: 7:30 pm at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Mexico: 2 point in the Hex
USA: 3 points in the Hex
Starting Line Ups
USA: Guzan; Cameron, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley; Bradley, Edu, Zusi, Dempsey, Gomez; Altidore
Mexico: Ochoa; Moreno, Reyes, Torres-Nilo, Meza; Zavala, Salcido; Guardado, Aquino, Dos Santos; Hernandez
Final Thoughts
3 points would be a huge victory for the USMNT tonight. It would immediately reverse much of the doubt many felt after their loss to Honduras in the opening Hexagonal game. However, it's fairly unlikely even despite Mexico's current run of form. It's most important for the USA to get something out of this match. If not the full 3 points, then a draw as 1 point would be considered a victory as well.
It's also worth noting that the USMNT will be without Jermaine Jones. Michael Orozco Fiscal was called in as a replacement, though I'm not 100% sure on who will actually take his place on the pitch.