Mauricio Pochettino suffered his first defeat as coach of the United States with his team falling to a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in a friendly on Tuesday.
The United States had been unbeaten in seven games against their North American rivals – a run going back to 2019 – but goals from Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta ended that streak.
Pochettino had enjoyed the taste of victory in his debut on Saturday, a 2-0 victory over Panama in Austin, but his team, with several key absences, were second best.
Pochettino had come into this window without midfielder Tyler Adams and forwards Tim Weah and Folarin Balogun and he made the trip south of the border without star winger Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie who returned to their clubs.
Defender Mark McKenzie was a last-minute withdrawal before the game with FC Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson handed the start.
Mexico started with 38-year-old midfielder Andres Guardado making his final appearance for the country – a record 182nd cap.
The number 18, who has been offered a role on Javier Aguirre’s coaching staff, was substituted after 18 minutes, receiving a standing ovation from the Estadio Akron crowd.
Four minutes later the fans were on their feet again, celebrating a wonderful free kick from Jimenez which flew into the top corner past the outstretched arm of Matt Turner.
Four minutes after the restart, Fulham striker Jimenez had a hand in Mexico’s second – veteran American defender Tim Ream won the ball from him in the box but the forward’s sliding tackle caught the American out and the ball fell to Huerta.
The Mexico forward showed quick and light feet to work space for a shot into the corner which gave Turner no chance.
The United States had chances in the latter stages to pull a goal back but Kristoffer Lund made a hash of a shot when found unmarked at the back post and substitute Brandon Vazquez saw his low drive blocked by Mexico keeper Luis Malagon.
