Mexico could not hold onto the lead and settled for a draw with the United States in a preseason clash held in Phoenix. The result adds another layer to the growing rivalry between two storied teams that always seem to bring a little extra energy when they meet on American soil.
What started as a tactical showcase projects into a telling preview of what both camps will bring during a packed summer. The United States and Mexico are stepping into another edition of a classic Concacaf duel, this time inside the spacious setting of the University of Phoenix Stadium. The friendly serves as a valuable rehearsal for the months ahead, where the teams will fine tune formations, test depth, and build chemistry ahead of the Last Four of the Nations League and the looming Gold Cup challenges that await. Coaches will want every observation and data point from these minutes to inform decisions under heat and pressure in the tournament runups.
In GOAL we present a thorough recap of the action, emphasizing the key sequences, tactical shifts, and standout moments that defined the night.
LIVE: UNITED STATES – MEXICO, MINUTE BY MINUTE
The opening exchanges featured a high-intensity tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively and attempting to impose early rhythm. The United States opened with a compact backline and rapid transitions, while Mexico leaned on quick combinations through the midfield to probe for pockets of space. As the minutes unfolded, the pace oscillated, and opportunities emerged on both flanks. Each team read the game differently, and the result was a balanced contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
THE PREVIOUS
Hours before kick-off, analysts noted a few room-temperature adjustments that both coaches sought to test. The United States focused on enforcing a disciplined shape, pressing in numbered lines and seeking vertical passes to unlock the back line. Mexico leaned into a fluid attack, mixing long balls with short combinations to destabilize the home defense. The tactical balance suggested a game that would reward clever pressing and accurate finishing, rather than sheer pace alone.
WHERE TO SEE, ON TV AND STREAMING
The meeting between Team USA and the Tricolor can be watched on Channel 5, Aztecs 7, and TUDN, with additional streaming options on ViX and Aztec sports mobile apps. Viewers across North America could follow the friendly through a mix of traditional broadcast and digital platforms, allowing fans to pick the most convenient way to stay connected with every moment of the action.
LINE UP
USA
The hosts approached the lineup with a mix of established regulars and players seeking to prove their readiness for upcoming duties. The formation reflected a balance between defensive solidity and creative spark, designed to maximize pressure when out of possession and to control tempo when in possession.
MEXICO
Mexico fielded a squad intent on sustaining attacking momentum through dynamic pressing and precise distribution from the middle of the park. The arrangement aimed to maintain balance against a fast, high-energy opponent while preserving the threat on the break through well-timed runs and smart positioning by the forwards.
With the heart! With passion!
Here’s the lineup we’ll be heading out with tonight to look for victory against the United States. ⚽️ COME ON! @adidasMX pic.twitter.com/yk4pzKjTLb
– National Team (@misselectionmx) April 20, 2023
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Source: Goal