That's now two consecutive victories for Mexico over the United States. Following a 1-0 win over the USMNT during July's Gold Cup final, El Tri once again showcased why the Mexicans remain the dominant force in North American soccer. Thanks to goals from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Erick Gutierrez and Uriel Antuna, Mexico waltzed to a simple and convincing 3-0 friendly result on Friday night.
Positives
There's a clear and cohesive identity that manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino is embedding into his team. Through a pressing and attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, Mexico dictated the pace of the game and frustrated the Americans consistently in the midfield.
As seen during the Gold Cup, Mexico can also rely on a number of attacking options for goals. Aside from an out-and-out striker like Hernandez, El Tri was able to benefit from the well-timed finishing of Gutierrez and Antuna in the recent friendly.
Negatives
Regardless of the scoreline, Mexico's defense remains a liability. Diego Reyes was a clear weak-link that nearly cost his team a goal. Although he had a decent game, Hector Moreno also looked vulnerable to pacey counters. Assuming Martino continues with a system that focuses on high-pressing fullbacks, he'll need to find the right combination of central defenders going forward.
Manager rating (out of 10)
9 -- Slight defensive worries aside, there were no real complaints about the manager. His players are thriving under his 4-3-3 formation and are comfortable with the ball at their feet. All he needs to fine-tune is Mexico's backline and shooting in the final third.
Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jonathan Orozco, 8 -- A penalty save in the 88th minute was a cherry on top of a brilliant performance. Orozco provided a handful of interventions in net that led to a well-deserved shutout on Friday.
DF Jorge Sanchez, 7 -- The 21-year-old is an exciting option for Mexico's future. Sanchez was a true modern fullback as he dashed up the right flank and also stepped back to halt counters.
DF Diego Reyes, 4 -- Things didn't get much better for the fringe player who desperately needed a good performance. Reyes almost gifted a goal to the Americans in the 1st half and later handed them a penalty after a poor tackle in the second half.
DF Hector Moreno, 6 -- A fairly average game from Moreno. He was susceptible to quick counters but also dished out a number of vital passes and clearances from the center of defense.
DF Jesus Gallardo, 7 -- A busy evening for the left-back that was highly active in both the defense and attack. At the moment, the Monterrey player is still at the top of the depth chart for his position.
MF Carlos Rodriguez, 7 -- The box-to-box midfielder was unlucky to not finish with an assist on Friday. Rodriguez was a crucial component in the build-up of many of Mexico's attacking plays.
MF Hector Herrera, 8 -- Herrera was the biggest reason why the Americans failed to control the midfield. Atletico Madrid's summer signing patrolled the center of the pitch and also forced a mistake from the USMNT backline that led to Gutierrez's goal.
MF Andres Guardado, 6 -- Not much to say about Mexico's captain. Guardado wasn't his usual energetic self and took a backseat while the rest of his roster carried more of the weight.
FW Jesus Corona, 7 -- Were it not for his questionable finishing, Corona would have the highest rating from the friendly. The winger dazzled fans with his breathtaking dribbling and also his highlight-worthy assist, but also failed to hit the target from easy chances at close range.
FW Javier Hernandez, 7 -- Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer opened up the scoresheet with a well-placed header in the 21st minute. The battle for a starting spot between Chicharito and Raul Jimenez should prove to be fascinating one in the near future.
FW Roberto Alvarado, 5 -- Alvarado was arguably the most quiet player on the field. A blunder from the left winger also almost handed a goal to the United States in the second half.
Substitutes
FW Hirving Lozano, 7 -- Substituted in for Corona during the 70th minute. Lozano had an instant impact and quickly collected an assist for Antuna's secnd half goal.
FW Uriel Antuna, N/A -- Substituted in for Alvarado during the 76th minute. Scored in the 82nd minute.
MF Erick Gutierrez, N/A -- Substituted in for Guardado during the 77th minute and scored one minute later.
FW Alexis Vega, N/A -- Substituted in for Hernandez during the 87th minute.
DF Fernando Navarro, N/A -- Substituted in for Gallardo during the 87th minute.
MF Orbelin Pineda, N/A -- Substituted in for Rodriguez during the 90th minute.