Rafa Marquez is now sitting on an 0-2-1 record in his first three games as head coach for Mexico, and it’s a brutal look after watching El Tri gift the United States an international friendly win, 3-0, in Glendale, Arizona. You just can’t be making these kinds of mistakes, especially when the bragging rights are this high against your biggest rival. Mexico was their own worst enemy out there, plain and simple, with the U.S. just capitalizing on every defensive error.
Blunders and Missed Chances Drowning El Tri
Seriously, what was going on in that first half? Mexico had a golden chance to take the lead in the third minute when Roberto Alvarado sent a beautiful ball into the box, and Santiago Gimenez was RIGHT there in front of an open net. And he missed it. Like, how?! The youngster just let it slip away. For a while, Mexico struggled under US pressure, then things evened out, but the US grabbed the lead in the 27th minute thanks to Mexico’s first big error. Sebastian Berhalter launched a long ball into midfield, found Gio Reyna, who worked his way into the box and took a shot. Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel couldn’t hold onto it, the rebound popped out, and Julian Hall was all alone to tap it into an open net. USA up 1-0, and it felt like Mexico just handed it to them.
El Tri tried to get back into it, but nothing connected. Diego Campillo had a chance off a corner, unmarked at the edge of the box, but he hesitated, giving the Stars and Stripes time to close him down. Then, just before halftime, Gimenez had *another* golden opportunity. US keeper Diego Kochen couldn’t hang onto the ball, and Gimenez just needed to tap in the rebound. He couldn’t do it. Again! Two absolute sitters, two misses for a guy who shows so much potential in club soccer but just can’t get it done for the National Team. Mexico went into the half down by only one goal, but it felt like so much more with all those missed chances and errors.
Second Half Pressure and a Coach Under Fire
The second half was just as rough. It didn’t get any better for Mexico, with the United States cranking up the pressure just like they did earlier. Marquez had gone with a more experienced starting lineup this time, ditching the mostly youngsters he used in the previous game, but it didn’t seem to make a difference in stopping the errors. Mexico didn’t even get a golden opportunity until the 58th minute, when Berhalter fouled Orbelin Pineda, setting up a free kick for Luis Chavez.
But let’s be real, Rafa Marquez has to be feeling the heat. An 0-2-1 start in his first three games is rough, especially after a performance where his team conceded three goals mostly due to their own mistakes. It’s a friendly, yeah, but the way they lost, and the defensive breakdowns, it’s a huge concern.
Now, El Tri has to travel to Los Angeles to close out this international window against Chile. You gotta wonder what kind of shake-up Marquez is going to pull for that game. They need to find some answers fast, because this start is not what anyone expected.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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