Columbus will again host the Mexico-U.S. FIFA World Cup qualifier Friday night, as Mapfre Stadium has "become an almost-permanent location" for the U.S. Soccer's "biggest home match of all," according to Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. Capacity is "less than 25,000," and many fans will "watch from metal bleachers." The private boxes are "barely private" as the stadium is, "by American stadium standards, a bare-bones, no-frills venue." But no other venue was "seriously considered" by the USSF once the date for the game was announced. The USSF could sell 100,000 tickets for this matchup in other parts of the country, but by doing so, it would "sacrifice home-field advantage," as Mexico has an "enormous fan base that turns up everywhere." U.S. fans at many times in past years have "felt like the visiting team at home when facing not only Mexico, but other Latin American foes backed by an expatriate community." With a "small ticket manifest in Columbus, though, the USSF has greater control of distribution." Members of the American Outlaws supporters group and Crew fans "get first crack." Most other tickets "go in a lottery." Mexico fans "do acquire tickets and the Mexican federation is allocated a small amount." USMNT MF Michael Bradley said for the most part, however, "it’s an American crowd that gives us a feeling from minute one that we have an advantage" (WASHINGTON POST, 11/11).
CHILL IN THE AIR: In L.A., Kevin Baxter notes since first going to Columbus in '00, the U.S. is "unbeaten there, going 8-0-3 with six of those wins coming in World Cup qualifiers." Baxter: "Then there’s the weather. The temperature at kickoff Friday is forecast to be 39 degrees, with the windchill making it feel four degrees cooler." USMNT MF Sacha Kljestan said, "We’re pretty excited every time it’s a little bit chilly here" (L.A. TIMES, 11/11). USA TODAY's Martin Rogers notes U.S. Soccer "won’t move one of these games until the U.S. loses, and the Americans won’t lose until Mexico adapts to the chill." Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said his team is "confident" and they have "a lot of players who play in Europe who are used" to cold weather. Osorio: "We don’t expect it to be a problem" (USA TODAY, 11/11).
CALL FOR RESPECT: In Portland, Jamie Goldberg notes the American Outlaws are "focusing on promoting inclusivity and respect" among their memebers ahead of the match. Tensions have "always run high at USA-Mexico rivalry games," and Ohio has "become amplified this week following Donald Trump's victory" (Portland OREGONIAN, 11/11). Bradley said, "I would hope our fans do what they always do, which is support the team in the best, most passionate way possible. I would hope they give every person in that stadium the respect that they deserve" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 11/10). In Columbus, Michael Arace writes the rivalry has "often been laced with nastiness." Nobody "needs to be reminded that Trump began his campaign by saying he was going to build a border wall to keep out illegal immigrants, and that he called Mexicans 'rapists.'" Politics and sport, "fueled by alcohol, could make for a toxic atmosphere on Columbus’ grandest international stage" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 11/11).
