US MNT Face Mexico Wednesday, Live on ESPN2

Landon Donovan in US MNT jersey

FIFA.com, Photo by Getty Images

Before the U.S. Men’s National Team resumes its 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying, the group will try to make history in its international friendly against Mexico at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The USA’s attempt to win for the first time against Mexico on its own soil will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPN3 and Univision.

The friendly serves as an important chance to get back in the swing of international competition in advance of the USA’s return to qualifying competition when it faces Jamaica on Sept. 7 at National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Four days later the teams square off again on Sept. 11 in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. That match will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPN3 and Univision. Catch the Mexico vs. USA Preview on ESPN2 at 4:45 pm Wednesday.

What: USA MNT vs Mexico
When: 6:30 pm ESPN2
Where: I favor Farmers Gastropub

The roster is heavily weighted to MLS as well as 6 players who are playing in the Mexican League. As noted by Goal (NY Times) This does not seem like a team chosen with a win-at-all-costs mentality.

Soccer America notes – The Mexico-USA friendly comes just four days after Mexico won the gold medal at the London Olympics. Along with its Under-17 World Cup and second straight Gold Cup crown in 2011, Mexico has been the standard-bearer for soccer in Concacaf. “There is a gap,” admits U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “It would be foolish not to recognize that.” On the eve of Wednesday’s Azteca friendly, Klinsmann spoke about Mexico’s success and what he is looking for from the 23 players he called up.

Wednesday is a designated FIFA play date so there is a full slate of friendlies available on ESPN3 and one broadcast game on ESPN2, Germany vs. Argentina at 1:30 pm.

International Friendlies on ESPN3
2:30 PM EDT Germany vs. Argentina
2:45 PM EDT Belgium vs. Netherlands
2:45 PM EDT France vs. Uruguay
3:00 PM EDT Scotland vs. Australia
4:30 PM EDT Spain vs. Puerto Rico (Spanish)