Tonight marks a new phase in Mexican and American soccer, when both teams face each other here in Arizona. It is a new phase due to the coaching changes both teams made after the World Cup, but also because it is the start for a new generation of players to make their presence known in their country’s National team.

The game is at University of Phoenix Stadium here in Glendale. I have not been able to see the stadium first hand although I have seen just about every tv show made about it. We are going with several guys from our soccer team, even getting a little early to do some tailgating before the game kicks off. Univision and ESPN2 are both television the game which has been sold out for a few days now.

update: the final score does not really reflect what went on inside the field. Both teams seemed a little unsettled, playing the game with more strength than skill and letting scoring opportunities go (especially Mexico!). We had great seats, just a few rows up from the pitch. There were a lot more American supporters than one would’ve imagined for a Mexico game on the west coast, overall there were about 63,000 in attendance supporting their colors.

So Mexico did not look all that great and once again the speed of the American’s was a factor, especially up front with Donovan creating dangerous opportunities with his runs. Mexico created a lot of opportunities and once would say they dominated the game. However, possession time does not win games and the US put away the chances they had — by the way, what a great assist by the ref on the second goal. We’ll see what Hugo brings to the table once his teaching/learning process starts to sit in with the players. For now, it was great to be able to watch these two teams in our backyard.