Glendale, Ariz. – Jesus Ferreira scored in the 81st minute off a rebound that began when Carlos Rodriguez’s shot hit the crossbar to give the United States a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night against Mexico, which were missing top players from both teams Were. teams.
Uriel Antuna scored an American goal in the 55th minute.
Rodríguez’s shot ricocheted off the crossbar after Matt Miazga had fouled Atuna, Miazga rebounded from inside his own penalty area for Sergino Deste, who dribbled through midfield and passed to Alan Sonora.
Sonora sent the ball wide to Jordan Morris, who headed to a glancing Ferreira. Defender Luis Chávez tried to clear and the ball took a foot to Ferreira, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo from 7 yards out for his eighth goal in 18 international matches.
Because the match was not on the date of a FIFA international fixture, only two Americans and three Mexicans started, who had extensive playing time in the World Cup. The teams meet again in Las Vegas on June 15 in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, when top players are available.
In the 75th match between the rivals, the US extended its unbeaten streak against Mexico to five games. The Americans had failed to take a single shot in the first half since a loss to Italy on November 20, 2018, ending a 64-game streak with a shot in the first half.
Mexico scored after Kellyn Acosta played a sloppy cross-field pass to Aaron Long in the midfield circle. The running keeper reached with his left foot for an off-target pass for Antuna to win the ball.
Jesus Ferreira of the United States, center, celebrates his goal as Mexico goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo and Mexico’s Victor Guzman, left, during the second half of the inaugural Continental Clasico exhibition soccer match on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. View during , Credit: AP/Matt York
Antuna dribbled alone over Sean Johnson and, from 12 yards out, slotted the ball past the goalkeeper’s left foot and inside the post for his 10th goal in 41 international appearances. The goal ended an 803-minute scoreless streak for Johnson, who was Matt Turner’s backup at the World Cup.
USA has 22 wins, 36 losses and 17 draws against El Tri. Interim coach Anthony Hudson, who took over from Greg Berhalter in January, has led the Americans to two wins, one loss and two draws.
Walker Zimmermann at central defender and Dest at left were the only US starters to see extensive playing time at the World Cup. They were joined in the starting lineup by Johnson, Long, Acosta, right back DeAndre Yedlin, midfielders James Sands and Cade Cowell, wingers Jordan Morris and Brandon Vazquez, and forward Jesús Ferreira.
Unused by AC Milan since 24 January, there were ten starters from Major League Soccer with Dest.
Jesus Ferreira (9) of the United States scores a goal as Mexico goalkeepers Carlos Acevedo and Victor Guzman (14) defend during the second half of the inaugural Continental Clasico exhibition soccer match on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in Glendale, Ariz. Did. Credit: AP/Matt York
Vazquez made his third international appearances, all in friendly games. He is eligible to change affiliation to Mexico.
Caleb Willey, an 18-year-old defender, entered in the 90th minute for his international debut. Mijaga replaced Long in the 70th minute, making his first international appearance since June 2021.
Mexico started just three World Cup regulars; left back Jesús Gallardo and midfielders Luis Chávez and Alexis Vega. Defender Víctor Guzmán and forward Roberto de la Rosa made their El Tri debuts, and Ozil Herrera made his debut in the 87th minute.
