Arena run ends
Mexico hands U.S. coach first loss, wins U.S. Cup title
Posted: Monday March 15, 1999 09:11 AM
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Head Start: The United States' Brian McBride dives over Mexico's Pavel Pardo in an attempt to reach the ball first. AP |
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Mexico benefited from an own goal by the United
States defender Robin Fraser on a play that also resulted in an
injury to U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola, and won 2-1 Saturday to
clinch the U.S. Cup '99 title.
Mexico, which won both its tournament games, took its third
straight U.S. Cup championship before a pro-Mexican crowd estimated
at more than 50,000 in its first appearance against the Americans
in San Diego.
Frankie Hejduk tied the score 1-1 for the U.S. on an unassisted
goal in the 51st minutes. But the Mexicans soon went back ahead in
the 58th minute on a score by Jose Manuel Abundis, assisted by
Rafael Garcia.
Fraser inadvertently gave Mexico a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute,
when a Mexican crossing pass deflected off his upper body into the
nets while he slid to the turf. On the play, Mexico's Francisco
Palencia started near Fraser in the penalty box and continued
forward, colliding with Meola.
Meola stayed on the ground for treatment, then left the game
with a cut lip and minor dental damage. He was replaced by Zach
Thornton, who received the victory in Thursday's 3-1 win over
Guatemala in Los Angeles.
This was the third start this year for Meola, who returned to
the U.S. national team in January after a four-year absence. He had
shutouts against Boliva and Germany in his other outings.
The Americans suffered their first setback under coach Bruce
Arena, whose record went to 3-1-2. Mexico remained unbeaten (3-0-4)
in the last seven outings against the U.S.. and improved to 4-3-6
in the series since 1991.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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