To defeat El Tri, as the Mexican team is known, Pulisic and McKennie will need some help from teammates new and old. Competitive games against Mexico will remain the crucible that most regularly tests the United States, but the ultimate goal isn’t only to beat a Mexico team that has looked underwhelming on Sunday. Ultimately, the hope for the American team is that matches like this one will be imbued with less meaning as the U.S. looks to measure itself against European and South American competition, too. They were a part of the highs that seemed to herald a new U.S. national team, like the Confederations Cup victory over Spain in 2009. If the United States is to become relevant again, it will be because a new trio of 20-year-olds fulfills its promise.

Source: International New York Times July 06, 2019 18:00 UTC