The Americans almost escaped Estadio Azteca with a point, but Mexico kepts its cool and created the game-winning chance it needed.
Miguel Sabah's 82nd minute goal off a Jay DeMerit deflection gave Mexico a 2-1 victory against the United States and breathed some much-needed life in 'El Tri's' World Cup qualifying hopes.
For the Americans, the result was a disappointment, as was their overall performance. They deserve some credit for keeping it close, but they never looked like a real threat to win the match.
For those of you who haven't read it, here is my ESPN piece on the match, complete with grades.
Here are some more thoughts.
Mexico played the better match, and while it needed a bit of a lucky deflection, the hosts created that chance on a Juarez run and great Sabah finish. The Americans didn't do enough to win, plain and simple.
And the ref? Yes, he was bad. There's no escaping the fact that he didn't call the game the same for the two teams, but the Americans didn't play well enough to really complain about that as the deciding factor in the match.
Who stood out? Charlie Davies and Oguchi Onyewu had great matches and you have to feel good about how much they'll grow after moving to bigger European clubs this summer.
Who disappointed? There are several, but Clint Dempsey was at the bottom of the list. One note I'll make about my player grades is that Carlos Bocanegra deserved a lower grade. I didn't see the replays of the game-winning goal until tonight and seeing how Bocanegra gave up on the play there's no way I wouldn't have given him a three instead of a four. I was also probably a bit harsh on Cherundolo, especially considering the lack of support he got from Dempsey.
And Landon Donovan? He had that great pass on Davies goal, but disappeared for the rest of the match, except for his role in both of Mexico's goals. You can't have a hand in both opponent's goals and not get a low grade.
For those of you who want to watch, here are the highlights from today's match:
I'll offer more insight on Thursday. For now, please feel free to share your own post-match thoughts in the comments section below.
