A second-half equalizer from Jesus Ferreira pushed the United States to a 1-1 friendly draw with regional rivals Mexico on Wednesday night.
Featuring alternate rosters for both sides due to the match being played in a non-FIFA window, the USMNT are now undefeated against Mexico in their past five meetings.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Under the guidance of new manager Diego Cocca, Mexico opened the scoring at Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium. After a first half that had an impressive defensive performance from the USMNT, Uriel Antuna pounced on a poor pass in the midfield and sprinted up the field before scoring in the 55th minute.
In response, U.S. interim manager Anthony Hudson made late tactical changes that shaped his team into a more dangerous attacking unit. By the 81st minute, the USMNT created a threatening counterattack that led to Jordan Morris squaring for Jesus Ferreira’s equalizer.
Rapid reaction
1. Ferreira saves U.S. with dramatic second-half equalizer
Just when it looked like Mexico were about to score a golazo from distance that would put them up 2-0, the USMNT capitalized on a counter-attack that helped change the entire outcome of the game. With Sergino Dest sprinting forward after helping regain possession, the full-back eventually connected with substitute Alan Sonora, who then dished the ball out to winger Jordan Morris.
As Morris ran forward, so did Ferreira and the striker eventually was able to connect with Jordan Morris’ pass into the 18-yard box, thereby making it 1-1 by the 81st minute.
Enough to hold onto the draw by the final whistle, it was a moment of brilliance from a USMNT squad that didn’t truly wake up until the second half of the game. Mexico looked like the better team overall on Wednesday and nearly had a victory with their controlled possession and nine shots, but ultimately fell short after failing to shut down a clever transitional move from the hosts.
