Let's change the format of First XI a bit this week, with Wednesday night's U.S. vs. Mexico World Cup qualifier as the impetus for a new approach. Today, we'll put the list up first, then give the thoughts later. Keep in mind, since the author of First XI -- me -- has unabashed rooting interest in this game and will probably spend the entire 90 minutes with his head buried in a pillow and his hands clinging to a bottle of Maalox, the thoughts in this column are more an exercise in burning nervous energy - 1 day, 8 hours, 27 minutes (uh, how many seconds?) 'til kickoff -- than in trying to truly enlighten anyone. How can I enlighten anyone on a game that I'll barely be able to keep my eyes on?
So, here goes.
Below, you'll see a countdown of the last 11 times the U.S. has played host to Mexico at a site other than Los Angeles, Calif. The World Cup qualifiers are bolded:
11. June 24, 2007, Chicago: USA 2, Mexico 1
10. Feb. 7, 2007, Glendale, Ariz.: USA 2, Mexico 0
9. Sept. 3, 2005, Columbus: USA 2, Mexico 0
8. April 28, 2004, Dallas: USA 1, Mexico 0
7. April 3, 2002, Denver: USA 1, Mexico 0
6. Feb. 28, 2001, Columbus: USA 2, Mexico 0
5. June 11, 2000, East Rutherford, N.J.: USA 3, Mexico 0
4. April 20, 1997, Foxborough, Mass.: USA 2, Mexico 2
3. June 18, 1995, Washington, D.C.: USA 4, Mexico 0
2. Oct. 13, 1993, Washington, D.C.: USA 0, Mexico 0
1. Nov. 23, 1980, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: USA 2, Mexico 1
As you can see, that's a 9-0-2 mark for the U.S., in case anyone was wondering why the U.S. has once again elected to play El Tri in Columbus, at cozy Crew Stadium.
Was anyone actually questioning the U.S.'s decision to play this match in Columbus? I doubt it. Personally, having been at both U.S.-Mexico tilts at Crew Stadium, I wouldn't want the game to be played anywhere else ... but let's keep the thought going.
Will there come a day when the U.S. will be ready to take a leap, not to Los Angeles (no way), but to a stadium bigger than Crew Stadium, to take on Mexico in a big game? Is there a big stadium ready to step up and become the host of one of these games? Remember, if the other nations in CONCACAF are going to do everything in their power to create a difficult environment to play in, it's only fair for the U.S. to do the same ... so long as it's not beyond the realm of good sportsmanship. Is there a place that would provide the U.S. with a better home-field advantage than Crew Stadium?
Well, for starters, let's cross the rest of California off the list.
And while we're at it, wipe Chicago and Soldier Field off the list, for while the U.S. was able to defeat Mexico in the Gold Cup Final in 2007, that was clearly not the pro-U.S. crowd a national team deserves in an important final. Could the U.S. fans dominate Mexico at Toyota Park? That's a great question, but is it worth it for the U.S. to make the move from Columbus, where it's a given that U.S. fans will take control, to nearby Chicago? Probably not. So, Chicago is probably on the outs for U.S.-Mexico for now.
How about New York? I sat in Giants Stadium in June 2000 and saw the U.S. take Mexico apart 3-0, and I'd say it was a 70-30, pro U.S crowd. Not good enough. And let's not forget that Giants Stadium has to put a makeshift grass field in place. However, I think when Red Bull Arena opens up, if RBNY does its job well, you could almost guarantee a 90-10 U.S. crowd in Harrison, N.J. Keep that one in mind for the future.
And while we're on the East Coast, I think Philadelphia would be a decent option. Can't say the same for Washington, D.C., not after what we witnessed when the U.S. hosted Honduras in Qualifying for the 2002 World Cup. Charlotte? That's a possibility. But you'd have to give Charlotte a Gold Cup chance before trusting it with a qualifier.
Moving across the country, Birmingham, Alabama, has always done itself proud when hosting U.S. Soccer games. Are they ready to host a U.S.-Mexico game? We'll certainly learn a little more about Nashville, when it plays host to the U.S. and Trinidad & Tobago on April 1. But let's remember, T&T isn't Mexico. Nothing is.
Texas? Too risky. So, sorry Houston and Dallas. Ditto, Arizona. I consider Denver to be a gray area for a U.S.-Mexico matchup. Not sure I'd trust Invesco Field, but think Dick's Sporting Goods Park might work as another "small" option. A nice cold night in Denver wouldn't be the worst place for the U.S. to host Mexico in a big game.
How about Kansas City? The only problem I see in K.C. is that the field at Arrowhead is a bit narrow (so is Giants Stadium, by the way). The U.S. fans in K.C. are rock solid. I'd consider throwing them another bone though probably not for Mexico, as I would consider Salt Lake City (did a bang up job in the past). Seattle and Portland? No grass.
And what's the point of this exercise? Just to further illustrate that when it comes to the U.S. and Mexico, in a big match, there's still no place like Crew Stadium. While most people remember the cold night in 2001, when Mexico didn't even want to take the field to warm up, let's not think it needs to be frigid for the U.S. to take care of business as their 2-0 victory in September 2005 proved.
Crew Stadium might as well be called our National Stadium at this point.
The U.S. is 4-0-3 in seven games at CCS and 3-0-2 in World Cup qualifying matches. They've outscored their opponents 10-1. With home points historically so important in the World Cup qualifying process, why mess with success?
One day, six hours and 20 minutes til kickoff ...
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