The U.S. Men’s National Team doesn’t have an “official” home venue, but MAPFRE Stadium is arguably the closest thing to it. The U.S. is undefeated in the country’s first soccer-specific stadium, going 7-0-3 all-time and 6-0-2 in World Cup qualifying matches.
Let’s rewind to the first win for the Stars and Stripes at MAPFRE Stadium…
Not only is February 28, 2001 memorable as the first time the U.S. won at the only soccer-specific stadium in the country at the time, but it was also the inauguration of “Dos a Cero.” It was the first of four 2-0 wins for the Yanks in Columbus over neighboring rival Mexico.
The temperature was below freezing in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, but the stadium was full of roaring fans. The two teams played a scoreless first half and had to use two substitutions. But those subs combined for the game-winning goal that night, and the hero was current Crew SC Assistant Coach Josh Wolff.
He stepped onto the field in the 15th minute for hometown hero Brian McBride. Two minutes into the second half, Clint Mathis won a ball in midfield and sent it into space. Wolff’s lightning speed took Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos by surprise and in just a few touches, Wolff secured the first-ever win for the U.S. at MAPFRE Stadium.
Tickets are available for USA vs. Guatemala on Tuesday, March 29 at MAPFRE Stadium here.
