New coaches, new year same old rivalry

US Soccer made it official last night, we will meet Mexico on February 7th for the 52nd border battle. The match will take place at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz and will air live on ESPN2 and Univision at 9pm ET.

This will be the first big test for the US team under interim coach Bob Bradley. Depending on the result, it could shake off the stink that was 2006 in favor of a new hope for 2007. It could also help remove the interim header to his job description.

However, Mexico's new boss Hugo Sanchez will want to win this match as proof of who he is. It was Sanchez that called for, and almost got, former coach Ricardo La Volpe's head after his Mexico's 2-0 lose to the US in September 2005. Sanchez ridiculed La Volpe for not being able to beat the team from the north. If he can do no better, what will it say about him?

The US has owned this rivalry of late having only lost 2 of the 10 meetings between the sides since 2000. They have also held Mexico to just three goals in those 10 matches with none of them coming on American soil.

For anyone in the area, this will be a great match to attend. Tickets will go on sale next Tuesday (Dec 19). If you have ever wanted to see what soccer is all about, this is the game to make it to.

One last note, if anyone from US Soccer is reading this, please send the stadium a better picture to use on their website.