US tries to get a jump on Mexico today

MEXICO CITY -- Neither Eddie Johnson nor Claudio Reyna has played a game for the US national soccer team at Estadio Azteca. But both could play key roles against Mexico before an expected crowd of about 100,000 in a World Cup qualifying match today at 1 p.m.

Johnson, 20, has become the Americans' best scoring threat, his goals launching the US to victories over Honduras (1-0) in a warmup match last week and Trinidad & Tobago (2-1) in a qualifier last month. Johnson has scored seven times in six games, and his emergence has helped the US break a trend of rallying for last-minute results; it has scored first in six successive matches.

Reyna, 31, seems ready to regain his role as captain after recovering from an injury while playing for Manchester City.

The combination of young talent and veteran leadership could help the US overcome the difficulties of Mexico City's 2,240-foot elevation, the poor air quality, and a highly skilled opponent. The US has an 0-21-1 record in Mexico and has been outscored, 78-13, since a 7-2 loss Sept. 12, 1937. The US has not converted a goal in Mexico City since a 2-1 loss Oct. 17, 1984.

"This is every young American's dream," Johnson said. "This is how young players get recognition and get to play in Europe. You couldn't ask for a better atmosphere. I just have to keep playing the way I have been playing and not try to overdo things on the field. This is really a test for me, playing at this level and before this type of crowd. I am really excited and, hopefully, I will get my chance."

Reyna provided guidance and playmaking for the US in a 2-0 win over Mexico in the second round of the 2002 World Cup in Korea, a match that may have marked a turning point in the rivalry since it was the first time the US had eliminated Mexico from a major competition.

"They go into games with us a little different, for whatever reason," Reyna said. "We have been pretty equal the last 10 years, and it's a bit insulting to them. [Soccer] is the one and only game in this country, so for us to beat them and match up with them on a consistent basis, it affects the emotions of their players. They try to get us to overreact to situations and throw us off our game.

"Like any game, the first 15-20 minutes are important. They are going to throw a lot at us. They are going to bring players forward and perhaps try to intimidate us. It is going to be important to stand up to the pressure and create enough chances, keep it tight at the back. We always have the possibility to score because we have speed and players who can make things happen."

Both the US and Mexico (2-1 at Costa Rica) won their opening matches in the final phase of qualifying and are favored to fill two of the region's three automatic berths in the 2006 finals in Germany.

Johnson performed for the US in a 4-0 loss to Mexico in an Olympic qualifier in Guadalajara.

"It was loud for 90 minutes, they are throwing things at you, everyone hates you," Johnson said. "The key is to get an early goal." . . .
The Revolution's Clint Dempsey, Pat Noonan, and Steve Ralston were among the 24 US players who traveled to Mexico and could remain with the team for Wednesday's game against Guatemala in Birmingham, Ala. Noonan has been on the left wing in training. Taylor Twellman was released to return to the Revolution in preparation for the MLS season opener at San Jose next Saturday. . . . Landon Donovan commented briefly on reports that he would leave Bayer Leverkusen to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy. "I am worried about the next 4-5 days and until then, I am not going to get too worked up it," Donovan said.