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. As we’re counting down the days to the March 29 World Cup qualifier vs. Guatemala in Columbus, we’re taking a look at the USMNT’s seven wins at MAPFRE Stadium. Here's win No 2.
After the birth of “Dos a Cero” in the 2-0 victory over Mexico on February 28, 2001, and a 0-0 draw with Ecuador the same year, the U.S. Men’s National Team returned to MAPFRE Stadium for a friendly with Paraguay on July 6, 2003.
The Stars and Stripes featured two active Crew SC players that night: Brian McBride, who was in his last season with Columbus, and Frankie Hejduk who had just joined the Black & Gold ahead of the 2003 MLS season. The club legends are two of three players who have worn the Red, White and Blue at MAPFRE Stadium while on Crew SC’s roster. The other is Tony Sanneh (2004).
In front of over 14,000 supporters at MAPFRE Stadium, the USMNT took no time to take control of the game against Paraguay. In the 12th minute, winger DaMarcus Beasley found his way inside Paraguay’s penalty area with some fancy footwork and delivered a low cross towards the penalty spot. The ball eventually fell to the feet of striker Landon Donovan, who smashed it into the back of the net to give The Yanks an early 1-0 advantage.
Paraguay had its fair share of chances throughout the 90, but could not find its way past Team USA ‘keeper Kasey Keller. And after a strike from midfielder Earnie Stewart found the back of the net in the fifth minute of stoppage time, the USMNT earned its second 2-0 win at MAPFRE Stadium.
Tickets for USA vs. Guatemala at MAPFRE Stadium on Tuesday, March 29 are available here.
