Sporting KC's Matt Besler and Graham Zusi, two of three MLS players in the starting lineup for the U.S. Men's National Team on Tuesday, returned to Estadio Azteca last night seven months after taking part in the United States first-ever victory on Mexico's home soil in a 1-0 win in an international friendly last August.
That upset lifted the United States all-time record in Mexico to 1-23-1 entering Tuesday's showdown in FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Matchday 3 of 10 on the road to Brazil. And with the stakes raised and odds against them -- Mexico was 68-1-6 all-time at home in World Cup qualifying, including a 13-0-1 record against the Americans -- Besler and Zusi helped the U.S. MNT produce another historic road result in a 0-0 draw in front of nearly 100,000 fans in Mexico City on Tuesday.
Besler, earning his first World Cup Qualifying appearance and second career cap, partnered with LA Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez to anchor the United States backline in a strong showing that limited Mexico to only three shots on goal; just one of those attempts came from inside 25 yards and none came from Manchester United striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.
Zusi, in his 10th international appearance, played 82 minutes on the right side of midfield for Jurgen Klinsmann, four days after starting in the United States 1-0 victory over Costa Rica. Zusi has now appeared in all four of the United States' matches in 2013 and each of the Yanks last six FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The U.S. is 6-0-2 all-time with Zusi in the starting 11.
The U.S. MNT is now 1-1-1 (4 points) in the six-team Hexagonal and sit in a three-way tie for 2nd place. Click to see the stats/standings/results on CONCACAF.com and check out match highlights below...
