USMNT vs Mexico, summary: Game suspended, red card, score, goals & highlights | Concacaf Nations League
USMNT vs Mexico: as it happened
Signing off:
Thanks for following the game tonight; it was always going to be dramatic, but I didn't think it would end up being that dramatic.
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Second half report:
The USMNT blew Mexico apart but nothing matters when discriminatory chanting and unnecessary violent behaviour from both sets of players spills over from a sporting rivalry to a personal vendetta.
McKennie, Montes, Dest and Arteaga were all sent off in two separate incidents, but I'm not getting into who started what on here: that's for bots and egg profile photos on social media. I'd rather focus on the fact that the angry pitch scenes translated into what was supposedly homophobic chanting from the crowd. Mexico may have been frustrated by the performance but nothing justifies what we saw today.
The game was all there for the US to take and walk their way into the final, but silly challenges from both sides got an already tense crowd riled up further and the referee did as much as he could to cool tensions, expelling those players who went too far and even stopping the game for a short while to follow the discrimination protocol after chanting that has no place in society was clearly heard from the crowd.
The football really doesn't matter when instances like this occur, and it remains to be seen if there are any punishments for those responsible. It is a huge shame that such things have ruined an otherwise excellent performance from the USMNT.
First half report:
The first half was an incredibly tense game with misplaced passes the theme of the opening stages. Neither side managed to get a grip on the match that was being affected by the sloppy play.
Waves of half-attacks came from both sides, with the US showing more variety, but mistakes were the order of the day and a huge error in the clearance from Mexico allowed Captain America to drift into space down the left and slot underneath Guillermo Ochoa.
Mexico huffed and puffed but didn’t manage a shot on target in the first period, with their best chance a ball that Marin failed to kick.
Where do I begin with that?
The game is over. The referee has called time early as the scenes in the crowd may have turned ugly.
The USMNT advance to the Nations League Final and will play Canada.
Córdoba hits a wild shot that flies high and wide...
Turner catches a cross from the right and sinks to the floor. He turns to the crowd and shrugs his shoulders in despair as green lasers blur his vision.
The protocol states that if the chanting continues then the game will be suspended. The referee, however, has deemed the situation as over and we are back underway.
TWELVE added minutes!
We're back underway...
THE GAME HAS BEEN SUSPENDED
The referee has stopped the game due to discriminatory chanting, says the board in the stadium.
OK, so both teams are down to 9 men. We've got a few minutes of normal time plus all the expected added time for the multitude of stoppages, anger, red cards, adrenaline, fights and blood.
Sounds like most nights in Las Vegas, right?
Scally ON
Pulisic OFF
Both teams are down to 9 men... incredible.
Arteaga sent off!
He pushed Dest in the head which caused the right-back to react and get himself an early bath.
More red cards!
Dest, I think...
De la Torre breaks away like he's stolen something and is brought down by Chávez from behind. No foul says Señor referee, he's seen enough today.
The challenges continue to fly in left, right and centre... there is no love lost between these two sets of players tonight in Las Vegas.
Aaronson ON
Weah OFF
Mexico had been coming on strong but that was fantastic from Dest, who weaved past millions of challenges before playing a gorgeous pass through the lines for Pepi to pounce on and hit home for goal number three.
The ball from the right is delightful and Pep slips past Ochoa before sliding into the net to make it three for the USA!
OUT OF NOWHERE
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
PEP SCORES FOR THE USA!
The linesman has called the move offside, and Antuna will be glad to see the flag raised.
There's a mistake in the buildup of the US and Antuna pounces, first smacking a shot at Turner before putting the rebound wide from close range!
HUGE CHANCE MISSED BY ANTUNA!!!!
Mexico go close!
Turner saves Herrera's header from a Chávez free-kick!
Here you go.
You're welcome.
De la Torre and Pepi ON
Reyna and Balogun OFF
Poor Brenden is never getting on the pitch...
We're back underway.
McKennie red!
He went in on Montes first before being dragged round by Sánchez. That does not seem like a fair red card.
The referees are talking in the middle of the pitch as everyone tries to work out what happened.
Red card for César Montes
For the original foul.
There was a foul in the middle of the pitch and in a flash 22 players and substitutes piled on each other.
César Montes swept the legs of Balogun and his teammates ran to defend the player.
Jorge Sánchez looked to be the player with McKennie's shirt in his hand.
Weston McKennie's shirt is completely ripped and is hanging off his body like a Tarzan costume.
RED CARD AND A HUGE FIGHT BREAKS OUT!!
Pim, pam, pim, pam, Mexico move nicely through the thirds all of a sudden, showing that they can indeed play.
Chávez whips in another dangerous looking cross but no players in green anticipate the movement of the ball.
Despite there seemingly being logic behind it, given the US are two goals up, I would not recommend them to continue dropping their intensity levels, as it is the exact thing that has taken them to this point in the game. Mexico are slowly starting to take control of the ball.
Chávez floated in a nice free-kick from a central position and Edson Álvarez headed just wide from close range!
HUGE CHANCE MISSED BY EDSON!
Gio Reyna goes for the spectacular from distance with a long range free-kick.
Santi Giménez has started to fight with A. Robinson after Gio Reyna goes down (again). Small flashes of chaos are breaking through the thick party atmosphere in the ground.
We're back underway, Reyna OK to carry on.
Little BrendenAaronson sits back down on the bench.
Reyna's blonde hair now has red tints as the blood pours upwards while he is laid on the floor.
Ouch! Reynaisdown after a big clash with Antuna.
Mexico look to be playing football now: they have the US pinned back and the low crosses are flying in.
The ball is fired into the right channel and thundered across goal where Giménez can't quite get enough of a touch. Have Mexico woken up?
AND MEXICO GO CLOSE!
Santi Giménez and Ozziel Herrera ON
Martin and Gallardo OFF
The winger floated invisibly between the two centre-backs as the ball was lofted over the top and his looping header nearly got the better of Memo.
OCHOA SAVES!
Pulisic wants more!
No idea what that was for, but we're off again.
Señor referee Barton has paused play (Reyna is taking a corner) to speak to his staff.
The US have absolutely all of the momentum here: their passing is crisp, they are winning the battle and second balls; this is going to be a mammoth task for Cocca to sort out as the clock ticks on.
Wow, Mexico have a huge mountain to climb...
Weah broke away down Mexico's left and burned past his marker before playing a wonderful pass across the box for Captain America to tap past Ochoa!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL
PULISIC STRIKES AGAIN
And we're off!
Mexico get us underway.
The teams are out for the second half...
Look away, Mexico fans...
"Mexico have never come back against the US as the away side after being behind at half-time. They have had 3 draws and 3 losses in 6 and this game would be the 6th consecutive game without a win against the team.
Cargando...
The USMNT are 45 minutes away from the final
That's the face of a man who knows how important his goal was in the tie.
Cargando...
Half-time motivation needed for El Tri:
Mexico are yet to have a shot on target; the USMNT have had 2 from 7 attempts in total.
Cargando...
Half-time report:
The game has flown by and mainly because the sense of electricity on the pitch must be making the clocks go funny. The nerves and pressure from both sides are very real sensations and they are causing a lot of poor quality passes from green and white shirts.
Having said that, moments of class have shone through, but mainly they have come from the USMNT. Pulisic grabbed the goal with one of them, shortly after missing an open goal from an even closer distance and easier angle.
Weston McKennie continues to confuse: is he really good or not? Some fantastic passes have been juxtaposed by terrible positioning and movement, so I still don't know how to judge him.
Mexico look very slanted, and are playing without a left side of midfield/attack. This is allowing the US to counter on their right while giving them an easier time at the back knowing that no danger can come from empty spaces.
Half-time!
Pulisic's goal is all that separates the sides in a very nervous affair.
Weah goes down in a lot of pain after Gallardo swung a wild leg into what looked like the player's chest. He looks OK to continue and there is no card.
2 added minutes.
There are still plenty of misplaced passes on show tonight: I'm going to say it's end of season fatigue.
Mexico wake up and win a corner after nice work from Antuna, their brightest player so far.
The señor referee stops the play and gives McKennie a stern talking to after some creative postponing of the match clock.
We're back underway and the USA are pressing for more.
Wow, what a strange goal. The game of pin-ball broke out on the edge of the Mexico box in which neither team could control possession, instead whacking the ball of each others' legs.
The ball eventually fell to Pulisic who had the peace of mind to take a touch, set himself up on the left, and fire a low effort underneath Ochoa.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL
PULISIC
CAPTAIN AMERICA
GOAL TO THE USA
Antunabooked for a rugby takedown on Pulisic.
The US hold strong as Mexico thread a few nice passes in and around the box. This is the first spell of possession that genuinely looks threatening from Cocca's side.
Weah's cross is high and both Pulisic and Balogun watch it float over their heads. Again, there seems to be nobody taking care of Mexico's left side... that's something to keep an eye on.
The first flash of Balogun as he tries to get ahead of Montes and on the end of a cross from Reyna. Mexico defend the move well.
Half an hour gone and the best chance of the game, without a doubt, went to Pulisic, who missed the goal altogether.
The USA have enjoyed a couple of minutes of calm possession that had ended in a corner to be taken by Reyna.
SAVED BY OCHOA!
The free-kick was hard and low but it will take more than that to beat Memo.
Pulisic is stood over a free-kick to the USMNT on the left of the box. He's going to shoot...
BREAKING NEWS
Gregg Berhalter is set to return as head coach of the USMNT, according to reports.
The winger dives inside from the left, skipping past various challenges along the way. Ochoa comes to the rescue but the forward slides past him too before firing the ball over the open goal!
PULISIC OVER THE BAR!!!
HOW DID HE MISS?!?
César Montes clears the cross from Pulisic that came from a fast break down Mexico's right side.
Both teams seem very shaky defensively, this is not ending 0-0.
The referee has already been over to Cocca to tell him to stay in his box. Tense.
Sánchez acrobatically heads out for a corner to the US after a cross from the right.
Nothing comes of the set play and El Tri clear.
CHANCE FOR THE USA!
Gio Reyna's cross is delightful and scares the Mexican defence as they hook it out for a corner.
Antuna slips as Pineda's pass is poor and behind the forward as Mexico break again. They definitely look the team most likely to score in the opening minutes.
Mexico are pushing the US well and have already fired in a few nice crosses that have caused problems. The game is yet to settle down: it's as though someone has sprinkled the turf with shark teeth and everyone is bouncing around with unpredictable footsteps.
Antuna's cross is cut out well by Musah but a huge mess up by the US in their buildup allowed Mexico to turn a quick as a flash and break like 11 scampering lizards.
Jorge Sánchez gets the first big cheer of the night after he fires a wild shot over the bar. An inaccurate shot but at least Mexico aren't sitting deep early on.
A big chance goes begging for Mexico as Martin misplaces a pass on the edge of the box that rolls agonisingly slow towards Robinson.
It's a very intense start to the game, with the Mexican side looking to use the crowd to their advantage as the US try to calm them down.
Weah is close again to getting on the end of a nice long ball from A.Robinson: Balogun created the space by dropping deep, allowing Weah to take advantage of the gap in behind the Mexico back line.
Reyna wastes a great chance to shoot after choosing the less selfish option and trying to slide a pass left that is cut out. The space on the right was open as the winger broke away after winning the ball up the pitch but he obviously didn't feel that going for goal was the best option.
Edson is playing very deep compared to Chávez, who is not getting involved in Mexico's buildup play at all...
What a start. 1000 kilometres per hour.
Turner saves well after a cross from the left is whipped in towards Antuna who misses the ball just yards out, with the goalkeeper doing well to stay alert.
BIG CHANCE FOR MEXICO!
McKennie lofted a wonderful pass over the head of the Mexico defender for Weah to get on to and the winger hit a dangerous cross low into the box that the Serie A 'keeper collected.
CHANCE!
OCHOA SAVES
Boom. The US start furiously, pushing Mexico back into their own box and forcing a few skewed clearances within the first 10 seconds.
Dest hits a cross from the right that flies over the bar.
We are underway in Las Vegas!
A place in the Concacaf Nations League final is on the line as the US National Team get us going!
A reminder of the XIs:
USMNT [4-1-2-3]:
Turner
Dest - Richards - M. Robinson - A. Robinson
McKennie - Yunus - Gio
Weah - Balogun - Pulisic
Mexico [3-4-3]:
Ochoa
Guzmán - Montes - Reyes
Gallardo - Edson - Chávez - Sánchez
Pineda - Martin - Antuna
A quick kit update:
Mexico are in green shirts, green shorts and red socks; the USMNT are in all white.
Here come the teams!!!
The two sides are out onto the pitch and the noise is unbelievable!
Balogun's number one enemy tonight
Ochoa is going to have to show his fantastic form that we saw all season long in Italy's Serie A if he is to keep one of Europe's hottest prospects off the scoresheet.
A big night ahead all across the pitch for both teams, and we are only minutes away from the start of the match!
Cargando...
USMNT pre-game quotes:
Specifically to Mexico, we have a great respect for them and we do understand that there’s a rivalry and the rivalry can ebb and flow with results, but that never changes the way that we approach an opponent of their caliber.
As long as we continue to keep things consistent then the expectation is that they will be able to pick up and gel as quickly as possible because they’re coming into a familiar environment and know the demands that are going to be placed on them.
Everything we’ve built over the last four years helps us and really comes together in a moment like this. At the same time, even the younger players have been in our environment over the last couple of months and know what to expect.
Here's the man of the moment!
Here are 'Balo's numbers as we're all incredibly excited to see him play his first game for the USMNT. "My ambition is to come here and make an impact on the highest level. I know the qualities I have", he said to US sports broadcasters.
Sorry, what's that? You want to find a way to watch the game and follow the live coverage with us? Well, look no further, dear reader. Here is absolutely every answer to the doubts you have about watching the game.
Here's official confirmation of Mexico's starting XI:
I'm getting nervous, and I don't have a dog in the fight. I'm nervous for both teams, or maybe it's just uber-levels of excitement.
Cargando...
CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH / EFE
The noise levels are insane...
The stadium is not even half full yet but already the noise is deafening, with the vast majority of people inside the ground sporting the same colours as our friend here.
This is the exact reason why I refuse to say the pressure is off Mexico as the underdogs: these fans will not settle for another below-par performance, especially after seeing every single player get booed off the pitch against Jamaica at the Estadio Azteca.
The US players just came out to warm up and madre mía, the noise was hostile.
Mexico XI [3-4-3]:
Ochoa
Guzmán - Montes - Reyes
Gallardo - Edson - Chávez - Sánchez
Pineda - Martin - Antuna
Where is Santi Giménez?
Lee Smith / Action Images via Reuters
No Tyler Adams for the USMNT tonight
The absence of Adams in the middle of the park is going to be a huge loss for the home side this evening in Las Vegas, as he has not only shot to the top of the hierarchy but captained the side at the recent World Cup.
Mexico can exploit the midfield of the US given the fact that Weston McKennie often struggles to defend and a single pivot of Musah behind McKennie and Reyna potentially gives the Mexicans some room for positivity.
Look at Gio's hair!
Reyna has a new style ahead of kick-off as he perhaps tries to channel his inner Haaland. Let's see if he can make an impact in the number 7 shirt from the first whistle.
Cargando...
Mexico arrive at Allegiant Stadium!
No sign of Cocca's XI just yet as he is keeping his cards not only pressed against his chest but underneath his t-shirt.
The word on the street is that he is set to go with 5 defenders, let's see if it is the case.
Cargando...
Here's the pregame analysis
Here's a breakdown of the USMNT's main statistics ahead of the game. With just around an hour to go until kick-off, this is a great starter for your eyes before you tuck into the main course of the football.
Captain America, Christian Pulisic, appears plenty on the charts, as does Brenden Aaronson. Jesús Ferreira is top of the goalscoring charts with 4 in 8: now it's Balogun's time to show his worth.
So, talking of Balogun, there's a strong chance he features* in this lineup of 5 players to keep an eye on in the upcoming game.
Check out which players look set to shine at Allegiant Stadium and then tell us we're wrong after the game.
*he absolutely does feature
USMNT starting XI!
It's a very strong starting XI for the US with Balogun starting up front!
Cargando...
No matter what the talk ahead of the game tonight, this is man everyone wearing the Stars and Stripes wants to see: Folarin BalogunbelongstoArsenal but scored for fun at Reims last season, and recently chose the USMNT over England.
It will be very interesting to see if he starts and how he performs with the pressure of a nation on his shoulders. The expectations with the striker are incredibly high.
Diego Cocca pre-match quotes:
"Today we had a lot of people at our training session. I know Mexicans, they want to feel identified on the field and we have the opportunity for them to feel that way [represented]."
"Always playing this Clásico is important. Important for us, for the fans. Our compromise is big."
"I dream about 2026, being at a World Cup. We are committed, working, and with a good attitude."
"We have a lot to improve and to do. We are contributing to this team."
Claudio Villa
Nations League preview: USMNT
Plenty of USMNT fans are still living off the high created by a somewhat unexpectedly positive World Cup campaign in 2022, where the US showed themselves to be no pushovers.
Since then, however, the side has been through a tough time, and are on their second interim manager in a row, with B. J. Callaghan currently in charge after taking over from Anthony Hudson.
Some stars, such as McKennie, Adams (injured) and Aaronson, have all had tough seasons on a club level and they will be looking at this game as away to reencounter their form that saw them gain such a well-liked reputation at the top level of European football.
As for their record against Mexico, the US have recent history behind them, as they are unbeaten in 5 against El Tri, but more on that later.
You might recognise the face of referee, IvánBarton, and that's because he's quickly turning into everyone's favourite referee from El Salvador.
With experience at the Qatar World Cup as well as FIFA youth tournaments and the Gold Cup, Señor Barton is going to stand for no nonsense in what could easily turn out to be a very heated and tense affair at Allegiant Stadium.
Are we in for the long haul tonight?
Mexico and the US have met each other 13 times in knockout games, with El Tri going through seven times and the USMNT six.
Also, three of the last four knockout meetings between the two teams have gone to extra time. Is this going to be the case tonight?
Cargando...
As I type this, Canada are 1 goal up against Thomas Christiansen's Panama side, but things can change in the blink of an eye.
The winner will face one of the US or Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League final which takes place on Sunday 18 June, also at Allegiant Stadium.
Follow the link above for Will's guide on how the match unfolded ahead of kick-off!
Before we get to the USMNT preview, let's look at the latest name linked with the top managerial role in US soccer. Ex-Arsenal captain PatrickVieirahas held his hand up for the role, according to various reports in the media.
The Frenchman has racked up plenty of experience in different leagues across the world, including the PremierLeague (Crystal Palace), Ligue 1 (OGC Nice) and, of course, MLS (NYCFC).
What do you think about this? Does his recent sacking from Palace, which came late last season, worry you? Or could Vieira be the man to lead the USMNT to the World Cup on home soil in 2026?
Jorge Martinez / MEXSPORT
Nations League preview: Mexico
El Tri come into the game in a curious position and perhaps with mixed feelings before kick-off in Nevada. Their recent results against Guatemala (2-0) and Cameroon (2-2) aren't the worst score lines on paper but both fans and players would have liked a more promising performance from their team.
Diego Cocca has not beaten the US during his time as boss of the Mexican National Team and Mexico themselves have struggled to put together any sort of reasonable performance against their continental neighbours over the last number of fixtures.
The pressure will be on them in a sub-plot kind of way, despite not being favourites or even the home team. But if Cocca can't get it going, then I won't be the first person to say that the pressure will be weighing heavily on his shoulders to find his groove.
Two classic colours ready to go head to head.
Let's get the important information out there first of all: the Mexicans will be wearing their classic green kit while the USMNT have proudly stated that they will be in all white tonight for this classic battle in North American sport.
Cargando...
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the AS USA live coverage of the USMNT vs Mexico in the Nations League semi-final.
It's Joe here to guide you through all the laughter and tears at AllegiantStadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.