The After Bar: USMNT 2 – Mexico 0

Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed

It couldn't really end any other way. Dos a cero. The year was different and so were the goal scorers, but the venue was a similar as the scoreline was as the United States men's national team waxed Mexico, 2-0 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

A smashing Eddie Johnson header just past halftime and a backpost goal from Landon Donovan mid-way through the second half and the U.S. booked their ticket for Brazil next summer. El Tri sits in a precarious position, fifth place with eight points with only two games left to qualify for the World Cup.

The USMNT punched their Brazil 2014 tickets with two games to spare. Kansas City against Jamaica and at Panama will now provide a solid send-off for the U.S. and chance for Jurgen Klinsmann to get some good reps in for some fringe squad players.

Highlights:

Analysis from some of American soccer's best writers:

Grant Wahl (Sports Illustrated) – “Three thoughts on USA 2, Mexico 0”

Brian Straus (Sports Illustrated) – “For Klinsmann’s U.S., competitive culture pays off in Mexico win”

Matthew Doyle (MLSSoccer.com) – “Armchair Analyst: Three things we learned from Eddie Johnson and why the US need a No. 9”

Jon Arnold (American Soccer Now) – “The Replacements” Shine In Victory Against Mexico”

Noah Davis (American Soccer Now) – “Lesson Learned in Costa Rica Leads U.S. to Win”

Steve Davis (NBC Pro Soccer Talk) – “What we learned from the United States win over Mexico”

Mike Prindiville (NBC Pro Soccer Talk) – “Man of the Match: Eddie Johnson”

Player Ratings:

Greg Seltzer (MLSSoccer.com)

Blake Thomsen (American Soccer Now)