Mexico City, Mexico

The US men's national soccer secured a scoreless draw with Mexico in the CONCACAF Hexagonal at Estado Azteca, earning just its second World Cup qualifying point on Mexican soil.

The deadlock boosted the Americans' record in the CONCACAF Hexagonal to 1-1-1 (four points) while the Mexicans settled for their third straight draw in three matches for three points.

The scoreless tie, only the second World Cup qualifying draw for the USA in Mexico since November 1997, lifted the Americans' record to 0-13-2 in World Cup qualifying matches in Mexico.

The Americans also improved to 18-2 all-time at Estadio Azteca and 1-23-2 all-time on Mexican soil.

The defeat was a bitter one for the Mexicans, who had two penalty kicks claims but were ignored by the referee.

In the 13th minute, the assistant referee flagged a Michael Bradley off-the-ball push in the back on Mexico's Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez but referee Walter Lopez ignored the signal and let play continue.

Mexico turned up the pressure thereafter, with Giovani dos Santos, Jesus Zavala and Hernandez leading the attack but missed on four headed chances.

The Mexicans picked up from where they left off in the second half but their crosses and shots missed the mark, thanks to outstanding defense by Omar Gonzalez and center back partner Matt Besler.

In the 69th minute, Besler saved a goal with a block on Carlos Salcido's shot while Graham Zusi beat substitute forward Angel Reyna to a header in the box.

In the 76th minute, Mexico had a second legitimate penalty kick appeal when Javier Aquino was challenged by Maurice Edu while he was about to hit the ball.

The Mexicans vehemently protested with the referee to no avail, while Aquino had to eventually come off injured.

The result meant that US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann remained undefeated in seven all-time matches as a manager and player against Mexico.

Both sides will be back in CONCACAF Hexagonal action in June with three matches each between June 4 and June 18.

Mexico are away to Jamaica (June 4), away to Panama (June 7) and home to Costa Rica (June 11).

Meanwhile, the USA are also away to Jamaica (June 7) and home against Panama (June 11) and Honduras (June 18).

The US and Mexico are part of the six-team Hexagonal along with Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica and Panama.

The top three teams will automatically advance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, while the fourth-place team will compete in a two-leg playoff against the champion from the Oceania Confederation.

 

US Earns Scoreless Draw with Mexico in World Cup Qualifying