USA-Mexico 'Friendly' at Estadio Azteca now official, set for Sept. 9th

The U.S. national team will travel to Mexico City on Sept. 9th to face arch-rival Mexico. No, World Cup qualifying isn't two years early. This is actually a friendly set up by the rival federations.

The match had been rumored for months but the squads didn't finalize the deal until today. The match will take place just three months after the United States defeated Mexico in the Gold Cup final.

So why is Bob Bradley sending his team into the lion's den to face Mexico? It's simple. The Americans are going to have to win there sometime and playing in Azteca will provide invaluable experience for some of the team's younger players. Having been in Azteca in 2005 when Mexico beat the United States I can tell you that some American players were just flat out overwhelmed by the environment at the historic stadium. Between the altitude, heat and more than 100,000 fans bearing down on you, it can overwhelm some who haven't experienced it before.

So why is Mexico doing it? Very simple. Hugo Sanchez's team needs a win against the Americans. They need it badly and I'm sure they're supremely confident that they'll win at Azteca. Now, that said, if the Americans go into Azteca and win then it will be interesting to see what happens.

Are you excited for this match? Do you think it's weird that the US team would travel to Mexico City? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Brian]

You should have made that the caption picture...

[Frank Olide]

I think it is very exciting. It should bring in lots of cash at the stands and tv.

[Dan]

I'm thrilled about this friendly. Although, I'm honestly surprised Mexico would want to host the US in the Azteca. If I was them, I would want to keep the US as unfamiliar as possible with it, anything to keep some kind of edge.

[doug]

Now we can really see if we are that good or just that ood at home. Big test for the stars and stripes. Ives, is that a FIFA sanctioned date? Will we be using European players?

[Brad]

Good Lord, I hope we're using European players. I don't want to see another Copa America team in the Friendly.

[kjk_40b]

Doug, I had the same first thought. Is that a FIFA date? I just checked and it is a date for Euro 2008 Qualifying thus it must be a FIFA sanctioned date.

Thus Bob can choose anyone he wants for that match.

I think this match is going to be bigger than any other friendly we have ever played. With that said, Yes, I am excited.

[Rocco]

I just started making plans to attend! I hope we can get many more US fans to fill an entire section and be the only ones cheering when the final whistle blows. Let's get a huge US contingent there to support the team.

[Joamiq]

I think it's a good idea to play Mexico at Azteca. I just hope we don't start playing Mexico too often. The matches will lose their importance if they become too much of a regular thing.

[Yusef]

US vs. Mexico is always fun and I enjoyed being at Soldier Field for the Gold Cup final, but I'm tired of seeing the US play teams in the region and would have liked to see a less-familiar competitive match.

[Brad]

Ives, who was the guy from the U-20 US team that signed with Aston Villa this week? Anybody know? Just trying to get a feel for if he'll ever play or how good he is.

[degerron]

So is he going to send a young squad so that they can get the experience? Will MLS teams voice opposition? MLS teams will be making their stretch run for the playoffs and will not want to loose or risk injuring key players. If DC United is playing Chivas that week I wonder would DC United scrimmage against the Nats in Mexico?

[John]

This is great. Get some Assteca experience for the USMNT before world cup qualifiying. This is the match to set up a win later on in WCQ! Maybe this game the Mexican fans will show a little class and not throw bags of piss on the field.

[Steve W]

John, that borders on naive. Mexican fans have no class when their team plays the States. Ever.

[DCM]

Brad,

Here is what yanks-abroad has:

"University of North Carolina sophomore defender Eric Lichaj has left school and signed with English Premier League participants Aston Villa.

The 6' 0" standout defender from Downers Grove, Illinois, has joined the West Midlands club following impressive stints with the United States U17 and U20 international teams."

http://www.yanks-abroad.com/content.php?mode=news&id=3263

[Chesterton Chris]

I think this is great. Also, I think you send your best team possible. Why help their confidence if we can help it? Mexico must have doubts in their heads. If we got an early lead....it could be heartbreaking for them. This is exactly the match we need. No more in the USA if at all possible.

[Chancho]

I think is great if we take a nice team...... but if we take a ourt Team C forget it........! Hopefully it will be a FIfa Day for the National Teams to play! Go USA

[Chancho]

It looks like it is a Fifa International Match day, Clubs will release their players 4-5 days prior the Match.

[Jim]

Wow, did the US Federation feel sorry for Mexico and in an effort to prop up the flagging rivalry decide to give them a game they win?

OK down off the high horse, I like this and hope we can field a squad similar to what we'd use in a WC qualifier. We need to learn to get a result there and I'd rather get this out of the way before we play a qualifier there.

It will be interesting to see the reaction of the Mexican team and press if they win, will they be realistic in that it is a friendly or will they resume their arrogant ways. If we beat them can Sanchez survive?

[Chancho]

It looks like it is a Fifa International Match day, Clubs will release their players 4-5 days prior the Match.

[Istvan from Budapest]

I don't see the purpose of this.

Sorry.

US beat Mexico in the Gold Cup, so why play them again so soon?

Why not play against Argentina or Brazil or Italy or . . .

[Brad]

Thanks, DCM!

[Jordan]

I think this is a situation where the US can really bury Mexico if we win. We will be huge underdogs according to the Mexican press. but i think the mexican team has realized we are no joke. To top off the two wins against them at home with a win in Azteca would be a turning point in the rivalry

[h4]

I am in the minority here - I am tried of watching US-Mexico friendlies. It's all about money, of course, and I guess from the reaction here people will pay up to watch it again. I hear people about getting players used to Azteca, but this undermines the fun of real games like the Gold Cup and qualifying, where there is something on the line.

[Sandro]

This should be fun and great for the development of our players. It is also good for our players to play outside of the US and not only have friendlies against mexico but also with other european teams but in europe not just US. If Bob can used everyone maybe he can call Jozy and Adu to the get in on the mix, even if they don't get to play but at least know how it is to play in these situations. Any predictions on the score yet? too early? well think US can actually beat Mexico this time. If that does happen oh man Hugo may need another Copa America to dig himself out of that hole.

[ct]

It's an international break, so I hope we're bringing the A team.

Ives, any idea if they're setting up a 2nd friendly in that window? Presumable on Sep 12th?