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U.S. 2, MEXICO 0. AND NOW MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP

The wind was angry that night my friends, the only real surprise to a script (and score) U.S. Soccer has written before. Both countries added roughly the same ingredients, but only the U.S. looked to stir it up, even holding the ball better than anytime in recent memory.

Two goals and strong midfield play didn’t seal player of the match for young Bradley. It was the kind of night where nearly everything went right. There were a few breakdowns and Coach Bradley made the obvious subs–Ching wore out and Kljestan added less than his best. Given the opponent, I’d only ask for Torres instead of Clark, but the newfound possession game alone left fans with joker smiles after the game. “We might have turned a corner tonight,” one fan mused.

And god love Tim Howard

photo story after the jump…

Thunderhead clouds took the place of mountains to cloak the flat Midwest dusk as fans worked their way to Crew Stadium. Weather on the horizon indeed.

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Wind Chill. It wasn’t what USSF thought it would be, but the weather cooperated with the American federation’s plans nonetheless.

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The real life voodoo doll (aka Mike Myers) wasn’t enough for Mexican fans.

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The Wind and Rain. No matter, Sam’s Army was bigger than ever. While USSF and Nike’s “wear red” campaign was hampered by the jacket-required weather, the Columbus scheduling worked out–this was the best ratio (home v away) of fans I’ve ever seen versus our southern neighbor.

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The corner, into the mixer, eventually would land at Bradley’s feet for a poked first goal.

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Put ‘em in a body bag Frankie!. As usual, Hedjuk was on some Cobra Kai sh*t tonight, leading the charge and working his 34-year-old butt off. Bradley filled in Ralph Macchio’s lead role: the youngster showing up everywhere, standing strong, and finishing off the enemy.

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Where’s waldo? Drums, Flag Poles, Streamers, Fireworks–the four things fans were told not to bring into the stadium. Find them all here.

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a leftover quote from the Day:

“Look at you and look at me” -Mexican fan (5′2″) Jorge Lopez on his thoughts about the first half (I’m 6′3″).

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and a left overpic from practice…

Mr. Don’t Tread On Me now has the shoes to prove it.

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