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Questions abound for USMNT after tie vs. Mexico

Jesus Ferreira. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Questions abound for USMNT after tie against Mexico in friendly

By Alyssa Clang | Last updated 4/20/23

Ex-U.S. soccer star Alexi Lalas' assessment of the U.S. Men's National Team's MLS-heavy starting lineup's play Wednesday against Mexico seems spot-on.

"There's a chance that the next USMNT coach and staff will not even be watching," the soccer analyst responded on Twitter.

We can only hope.

In the first half of the 1-1 friendly in Chicago, the USMNT had zero shots on target against an unimpressive El Tri. In the second half, Mexico pinned the U.S. into its own half because of the Americans' silly midfield giveaways.

Narratives seem split on how this match -- a clear cash grab staged outside of FIFA competition windows -- should be viewed. On one hand, the USMNT now has a five-game unbeaten streak against Mexico. The 81st-minute goal by the Americans' Jesus Ferreira -- who plays for FC Dallas in MLS -- was a thing of beauty.

On the other hand, the Americans' play seemed mostly insipid, with several players looking lost with the ball at their feet.

Has not been the most scintillating game. But life is short. We should celebrate this rivalry and every goal the US score in it. Really incisive counter here. pic.twitter.com/0lTfHUkzSd
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 20, 2023

Perhaps both these teams are simply bleh.

The MLS-heavy USMNT lineup played well defensively.

Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC in MLS) slotted back into the center and played well while his wingbacks roamed forward. Wingbacks Sergiño Dest and DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami) looked reasonably sharp.

Dest deserves criticism, however, for his positioning on Mexico's eventual goal, but up to that point, he was the USMNT's best player by far.

Mexico score their first goal against the USMNT since June 6, 2021 as Uriel Antuna scores on the wide open breakaway.

: @NBCSportsSoccer

pic.twitter.com/HKtpYY9TRP
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 20, 2023

But everyone else for the U.S. merited more sighs than cheers.

Sean Johnson (Toronto FC) had a rough night in goal and struggled to play the ball out from the back, often resorting to long-ball blasts that served no one. Kellyn Acosta (Los Angeles FC) looked exhausted in midfield, and his poor back pass was the key Mexico used to unlock the American defense.

While Ferreira scored the crucial goal, his performance before that strike was abysmal. Aaron Long (Los Angeles FC) looked more aggressive and forward-thinking than Ferreira, but he is a central defender.

The USMNT has two games against Mexico this summer, and unlike Wednesday night's friendly, both of them actually matter. Perhaps by then the USMNT will have a permanent coach; Anthony Hudson is the Americans' interim coach.

It's clear the Americans' domestic options for starters simply can't compete with its international exports. Zimmerman was cool-headed and reliable under pressure. But Acosta, James Sands (New York City FC), Cade Cowell (San Jose) and Ferreira didn't make a case to start for the USMNT.

On a night when the USMNT hoped to show off its depth to potential coaching suitors, it really only showed how shallow its talent pool remains.

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