Don't take World Cup qualifiers between the U.S. and Mexico—like Friday's game in Cincinnati—for granted. As international soccer evolves, these unique occasions face extinction.
The U.S.'s World Cup qualifying effort has proven to be about a young group's capacity to respond, and that was on display in a second window-salvaging win in as many months.
A first World Cup qualifying loss ever to Panama was the result of adverse conditions, a rotated squad and a poor effort, but it doesn't have to be a derailing event.
The 18-year-old Valencia midfielder has had to be patient to make his contribution in competitive play for the U.S., but after being cap-tied vs. Jamaica, his time has come.
With two home games in the upcoming World Cup qualifying window, the expectations are that the U.S. will make progress on the road to Qatar, but it won't be easy.