U.S. earns rare point at Azteca by stymieing Mexico in WCQ

Mexico and the United States went blow-for-blow at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday in a typically fiery World Cup qualifier, and the two sides were so evenly matched that even their misfortune mirrored one another.

With the score knotted at one apiece in the second half, Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera unleashed a wicked free-kick that smashed the crossbar before being cleared to safety.

Just minutes later, U.S. captain Michael Bradley saw a half-volley from well out slice toward the corner of the net, only to have his effort clip the outside of the post.

That was as close as anyone came to breaking the deadlock.

If nothing else, the Toronto FC midfielder already had one golazo on the day, his spectacular 40-yard chip opening the scoring for the Americans in just the sixth minute of the clash between the two CONCACAF powerhouses.

Related - Watch: Bradley silences Azteca with ludicrous 40-yard chip

Carlos Vela scored the only other goal of the match - the Real Sociedad attacker netting the equaliser in the 23rd minute - but despite dictating play and dominating possession in the second stanza, El Tri couldn't unlock an experimental U.S. backline.

It wasn't always pretty, but Bruce Arena's heavily rotated side held out for a draw - it's only the third time in history the United States has earned a point at the Azteca in World Cup qualifying.

This one probably felt like a win, though.

The result sees Mexico maintain its comfortable lead atop the Hex, while the U.S. sits third on eight points, two above a Panama side that holds a match in hand.