U.S. Still Winless in Azteca

The United States soccer team has lost another game in Stadio Azteca. Mexico beat the U.S. 2-1 today in a World Cup qualifying game. The high altitude and heat in Mexico City really wore down the Americans, who lost control of the game in the second half.

The U.S. opened the scoring, with a goal by Charlie Davies in the 9th minute. A great ball from Landon Donovan put Davies on a breakaway between him and the goalie. Later in the first half, when Israel Castro put a beautiful shot into corner of the net.

In the second half, things starting getting testy between the two squads. Davies was on the ground in pain, and he didn't like how three Mexican players were helping him up. U.S. players came over to defend Davies and pushing ensued.

Miguel Sabah scored the winning goal for the Mexicans in the 82nd minute when he hit the roof of the net. It was an unspectacular goal but a very pivotal one in the game.

The referees let this game get out of hand in the second half when the brawl occurred. It's no secret that these teams don't like each other, so the refs should have been prepared for it. They didn't red card any Mexican players, even though they were the instigators in the altercations.

Why couldn't this game be broadcast in English. I had to watch the Spanish broadcast on Telemundo. ESPN has shown most of the U.S. World qualifying matches. Why couldn't they show the biggest one of the year?

0-23-1 in Mexico City is not a good record for the U.S. but the team is improving. I thought they would win this game and show that this U.S. team was better than the previous squads. Even with the loss, I believe the U.S. may be set for a World Cup run.