Pochettino suffers the first US defeat against Mexico

Mauricio Pochettino suffered his first defeat as United States coach when his team lost 2-0 in Mexico.

Former Chelsea coach Pochettino, 52, celebrated a 2-0 win over Panama on his debut as US manager on Sunday, but suffered an early setback in the friendly.

“It wasn’t a great performance, but this type of game is perfect for us to learn,” Pochettino said.

“Overall I think Mexico was a little better than us and fully deserved the win. But for us it’s a process.”

Fulham striker Raul Jimenez curled a brilliant free-kick into the top corner to give Mexico the lead midway through the first half at the Estadio Akron near Guadalajara.

Cesar Huerta then doubled the hosts’ lead and Mexico secured a much-needed victory after being booed by their fans following a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Spanish club Valencia last week.

Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi and Weston McKennie were among those missing for the USA, who only managed one shot on goal.

The defeat also ended the United States’ seven-game unbeaten streak against Mexico, which said goodbye to its most capped player Andres Guardado, who was substituted in the 19th minute to a standing ovation after playing the last of his 182 international matches.