Jurgen Klinsmann sent a message in his U.S. coaching debut without saying a word. He stripped the names off the back of the jerseys and assigned Nos. 1-11 for the starters and 12-18 for the reserves.
He wanted the Americans to know that all that mattered was representing their country.
Klinsmann’s first game coaching U.S. soccer was bolstered by Robbie Rogers’ tying goal late in the second half to help the Americans salvage a 1-1 draw against Mexico on Wednesday night.
“It was a special moment,” Klinsmann said. “It was a special moment before the game, listening to the anthem and feeling the energy from the stadium and the players.”
Mexico struck first when Peralta fired a crossing pass past Bradley in the crease, and goalie Tim Howard could not make the save for a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute.
Rogers tied it in the 73rd minute when he tapped in a nice crossing pass from the 21-year-old Shea. Rogers had just subbed in for Michael Bradley, playing for the U.S. team for the first time since his father was fired.
In other soccer news:
Germany deafeated Brazil 3-2 and Italy defeated 2010 World Cup champion Spain 2-1
The 2011 Under-20 World Cup in Colombia has reached the quarterfinal stages. Saturday match ups include Portugal vs. Argentina & Mexico vs. host Colombia. Sunday match ups are France vs. Nigeria & Brazil vs. Spain.
The 2014 World Cup Qualifying Draw took place on July 30th, The United States were drawn in a group with Jamaica and two group winners of a preliminary group who are most likely to be Guatemala and Haiti. World Cup qualifying continues on September 2nd and updates will be provided.
Tottenham’s season opener against Everton has been postponed due to riots in London.
Midweek League Cup matches at West Ham United, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace were postponed and England’s international friendly against the Netherlands on Wednesday was cancelled.