GUILLERMO OCHOA

The U.S. and Mexico finish in an intense scoreless draw played before a half-capacity stadium due to sanctions imposed over fans' anti-gay slurs.

The United States escaped a half-full Estadio Azteca with a gritty 0-0 draw against Mexico and moved into position to all but clinch a World Cup berth with a victory at home against Panama this weekend.

As much as American soccer players want wins, they crave respect.

As much as American soccer players want wins, they crave respect. During a climb from soccer obscurity that began four decades ago, the U.S. has achieved milestone after milestone but carries its poor pedigree like a millstone as it tries to force its way into the world’s elite. Jubilant fans chanted “Dos a Cero!” and American players raised their arms in triumph over and over after Friday night’s 2-0 win over Mexico in a World Cup qualifier.

Christian Pulisic scored on a glancing header with his first touch of the game in the 74th minute and Weston McKennie added a goal in the 85th to lift the United States over Mexico 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier.