It was tense. It wasn’t always pretty. But the U.S. Men’s National Team got the win it needed at Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday night. Michael Bradley scored a pair of goals and the U.S. defeated archrivals Mexico 2-0 in the first game of the “Hex” stage of World Cup qualifying. Bob Bradley’s side dominated most of the possession in the game, which–with one exception in the 65th minute–lacked a lot of the chippiness that has marked previous encounters between these two sides.

Both teams started nervously, the U.S. probably more so. Mexico had the first real chance of the game and really should have taken the lead. But Giovanni Dos Santos mis-hit a shot from point blank range and the ball went straight at U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard. The U.S. took control of the game after that but was not able to break through the Mexican defense until the stroke of half time. Once again, a set piece (again a corner) led the the U.S. score, just as it had in the teams’ past two encounters. A Donovan Beasley-struck corner found Landon Donovan at the far post, who headed it across the goalmouth to Oguchi Onyewu. Onyewu’s header was parried by Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez, but right into the path of Bradley, who shot the ball into the roof of the net and a 1-0 lead.

In the 65th minute, Mexico went down a man when its captain Rafa Marquez went in studs-up on Howard and was red carded. Moments before Mexico had its best chance to tie the game but it went wanting. The red card was likely deemed harsh by Mexican fans, and not entirely without merit. Had the game been played in Mexico it is unlikely Marquez would have earned more than a yellow. But Sven Goran Eriksson’s side were losing control of the game and were visibly frustrated. Marquez’ action was emblematic of the team as a whole.

Still, the U.S. was unable to put the game out of reach until the very end. Bradley put the exclamation point on the victory in stoppage time with a strike from 20 yards that probably should have been saved by Sanchez. Until that point the Mexican goalkeeper had played very well.

On the whole a solid win by the U.S., who lived up to their role of favorites. But the defensive game needs work. And let’s face it: the U.S. got very lucky in the opening minutes. Had Dos Santos converted the sitter, the game would have taken on a completely different shape. Mexico was also unlucky to lose one of their main attacking threats, Nery Castillo, midway through the first half with an injury. But on the plus side, the Yanks’ passing game looked very good and U.S. midfielders, particularly Bradley, showed a creative flair that has historically not been part of their game. If this development is nurtured and continues to advance, if the defensive game solidifies and if a bonafide striker emerges (hello Jozy Altidore), the U.S. could be a real force at the World Cup next summer.

ASN Grades of USMNT starters

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best.

Howard: 8.5
Some stellar saves and very solid throughout. The only thing we can fault him on is the yellow card, which whill now keep him out of the next WCQ game.

Onyewu: 7.5
After some initial difficulties a solid performance on both sides of the field.

Bocanegra: 6
A shaky performance. Poor defending on early chance by Dos Santos that should have meant the lead goal for Mexico. Did not seem to take vocal command of the defense, despite being captain. Why is he still the captain, anyway?

Pearce: 6.5
A weak defensive effort that, combined with Bocanegra’s, left the impression of a leaky backline, particularly up the middle. This part of the U.S. game obviously still needs work, but Cherundolo return will help. Offensive forays were more promising. Some nice long balls to the forwards.

Hejduk: 7
Another strong performance by Frankie. Some timely tackles on defense and good forward runs, particularly in the first half.

Dempsey: 6.5
A decent performance but more was expected from him. Appeared a bit listless at times. Had a few nice runs though and held the ball well.

Bradley: 8
One of the best players on the pitch, and not only because of his two goals. Had several very nice passes into space that demonstrate his passing game is advancing to a new level. Surely an influence of the Dutch game? One of these passes, on the stroke of halftime, would have resulted in a goal had Beasley’s first touch not escaped him.

Kljestan: 5.5
A disappointing performance. Never seemed to get comfortable in his role and with his surroundings. Was he injured? Did not appear to be at full strength.

Donovan: 7
Did well but would have liked to see more. Not enough touches in the middle portion of the game, though this was not entirely his fault. A steady leader on the field.

Beasley: 7.5
The lynchpin for U.S. attacks. Was aggressive, created chances with his speed. One of his best USMNT games in a long time.

Ching: 6.5
Did a little more than what was expected of him.

Match Facts

United States Men’s National Team vs. Mexico, FIFA World Cup Qualifying; Final Round
Date: Feb. 11, 2009
Venue: Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Attendance: 23,776
Weather: 53 degrees, overcast

Scoring Summary:
USA – Michael Bradley (unassisted) 43rd minute
USA – Michael Bradley (Landon Donovan) 92+

Lineups:
USA: 1-Tim Howard; 2-Frankie Hejduk, 3-Carlos Bocanegra (capt.), 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 15-Heath Pearce; 8-Clint Dempsey, 4-Michael Bradley, 16-Sacha Kljestan (13-Ricardo Clark, 86), 7-DaMarcus Beasley; 10-Landon Donovan, 11-Brian Ching (9-Jozy Altidore, 83)
Subs not used: 18-Brad Guzan, 6-Jonathan Bornstein, 14-Danny Califf, 17-Jose Francisco Torres, 12-Marvell Wynne

Head Coach: Bob Bradley

MEX: 1-Oswaldo Sanchez; 2-Aaron Galindo, 3-Carlos Salcido, 4-Rafael Marquez (capt.), 5-Ricardo Osorio; 6-Leandro Augusto, 12-Alberto Medina (15-Antonio Naelson, 60), 8-Pavel Pardo; 11-Carlos Ochoa, 10-Nery Castillo (14-Israel Martinez, 34), 17-Giovani dos Santos (9-Omar Bravo, 72)
Subs not used: 13-Guillermo Ochoa, 18-Leobardo Lopez, 7-Luis Perez, 16-Guillermo Franco

Head Coach: Sven-Goran Eriksson

Stats Summary:
USA / MEX
Shots: 10 / 9
Shots on Goal: 5 / 3
Saves: 3 / 3
Corner Kicks: 5 / 1
Fouls: 26 / 16
Offside: 4 / 3

Misconduct Summary:
MEX – Rafael Marquez (sent off) 65th minute
USA – Tim Howard (caution) 67

Officials:
Referee: Carlos Batres (GUA)
Assistant Referee 1: Roberto Giron (HON)
Assistant Referee 2: Edwin Gonzalez (GUA)
Fourth Official: Walter Lopez (GUA)