USSF lines up Mexico as first test for USMNT coach

U.S. Soccer has "lined up what would be the first significant test" for new USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino: an Oct. 15 friendly against Mexico in Guadalajara. Although meetings between the rivals are "commonplace," most have taken place in the U.S. -- the primary exceptions have been World Cup qualifiers at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City every four years. The U.S. has not visited Mexico for a friendly since a 1-0 victory in August 2012 and has not faced the Mexican team outside the capital city since 1977 in Monterrey. The Mexico visit is the last of four U.S. matches in September and October. Pochettino, “barring complications,” would "debut in an Oct. 12 friendly against Panama in Austin before facing Mexico." His first official competition would "come in November" for a two-leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against an opponent to be determined (WASHINGTON POST, 8/19).