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Highlights: MNT vs. Mexico - Nov. 11, 2016
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Gallery: U.S. MNT Falls 2-1 to Mexico in Thrilling Hex Opener
Photos from the U.S. Men's National Team 2-1 loss to Mexico on Nov. 11 in Columbus, Ohio. Despite a 49th minute strike from Bobby Wood and a spirited second half performance, the MNT was not able to solidify a victory in front of a sold-out crowd of 24,650 at MAPFRE Stadium in the opening match of the Final Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
Read moreThe Hex Matchday 1 Rewind
Matchday 1 of the Hex bucked the trend of home team domination in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. Instead, all three visiting teams came away victorious, marking the first occurrence of three home losses on the same match day since Sept. 1-2, 2001.
Take in a brief look at all three matches:
Honduras 0, Panama 1
The day started in San Pedro Sula where visitors Panama earned a surprise 1-0 victory against Honduras underneath the beating afternoon sun (HIGHLIGHTS).
The lone marker came in the 22nd minute when Fidel Escobar’s free kick from just outside the area took a deflection on the way through the wall and beat Honduras ‘keeper Donis Escober inside the right post.
Los Catrachos best chance came in the 52nd minute when a cross from the right found Diego Reyes whose glancing header was parried away by Panama ‘keeper Jaime Penedo. Panama failed to clear and a second centering pass found Alberth Elis, but Penedo bravely came off his line to make the point-blank stop, making way for Panama to hang on for three important road points.
Trinidad & Tobago 0, Costa Rica 2
Costa Rica threatened early and often, but didn’t break through against Trinidad & Tobago until the second half at Hasely Crawford Stadium (HIGHLIGHTS). The go-ahead goal came in the 65th minute when Cristian Bolanos broke free down the right and into the area, making easy work for Cristian Gamboa who was left with an easy finish into an empty net.
As the Soca Warriors pushed for an equalizer, Costa Rica was able to ice the match in second-half stoppage time. Catching T&T in transition, Bolanos strolled towards goal before cutting a pass to the right for New York City FC defender Ronald Matarrita who pushed past Jan Michael Williams.
USA 1, Mexico 2
Highlights from tonight's game against Mexico. #USAvMEX #USMNT pic.twitter.com/kFbBa3VOa3
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) November 12, 2016
Into the half time break down a goal, the MNT came out pressing for the equalizer early in the second half. It took just four minutes, with Jozy Altidore launching a thundering run before dishing off to Bobby Wood. The striker barreled through the middle of the defense and beat goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera. The U.S. continued to take cracks at the Mexican goal, with Omar Gonzalez, Jozy Altidore and Wood seeing chances denied by the Mexico goalkeeper.
Just as it looked like the teams would play to a 1-1 draw, Rafael Marquez grabbed the three points for El Tri as his glancing header to the near post beating substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 89th minute.
Where we stand after Matchday 1:
Matchday 2 awaits the six Final Round nations Tuesday. Check out the full schedule below.
Honduras vs. Trinidad & Tobago – 5 p.m. (NBC Universo, beIN Sports Connect)
Costa Rica vs. USA – 9 p.m. ET – (beIN Sports, NBC Universo)
Panama vs. Mexico – 9 p.m. ET – (Telemundo)