Azteca Redemption: Bruce Arena predicts victory in Mexico

After their first four games in the CONCACAF Qualifiers, the United States men's national soccer team was looking desperate for a win with only four points. Going into their match against Trinidad & Tobago, in a game they couldn’t afford to lose, the USMNT looked focused to come away with a win. After a hard fought match they came out with their three points in which they received two goals from Christian Pulisic. After the game the only thing they could think of was their next match going into Mexico City to face the group leaders, Mexico.

Mexico has cruised into first place with four wins and one draw. Their last win came on June 8th at home against Honduras with a score of 3-0. Mexico is 40-2-7 all time at home in competitive matches and heading into their next match against third place United States they are heavily favored to win this game.

The US are no longer playing a must win game however, it would be a nice boost of confidence  for them to come away with some points. Many will be talking about the USMNT having never won a competitive match in Mexico, the altitude and many other facts. Coach Bruce Arena has already said that he is planning on changing around the lineup that has only seen two days of rest from their last game while Mexico will be coming out with the usual faces and nothing surprising.

It is sure to be a hostile environment come Sunday where there will be smog and some heat, which help create some of the bigger home field advantages at the Azteca which seats 87,000 people. “We know the conditions will be tough, we know the ref probably won't be on our side, we know the fans obviously won't be on our side.” said right back DeAndre Yedlin. The US are 0-19-1 in Mexico City getting outscored 81-14, come this Sunday they are hoping to start a new streak of winning in Mexico, in order for that to happen, they have to get their first victory!