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Columbus Shines As USMNT Home Again by Brian Phillips

Just finished watching USA/Mexico. Unbelievable atmosphere at Crew Stadium tonight! Make no mistake, there are newer, fancier stadiums, but player for player and on up the chain of command at U.S. Soccer Columbus is their home. 

As I write Honduras leads Panama 1-0 early in the second half. If the score holds the U.S. will get through to Brazil next summer for the finals. And in four years the national team will return to Crew Stadium again. 

As for Mexico, I continue to be baffled by their qualifying this year. No wins at home, and when they simply had to have a result tonight, they showed little after the first 20 or so minutes. They have too many top flight players to play this poorly. At this point, barring a miracle, Mexico will have to do a home and home total goals series with New Zealand to get in. Can you imagine that road trip?  

And bam, as I write Panama draws to 1-1 in the second half. Horrible news for Mexico. Panama stands a point behind them and would move into a tie if they can make 1-1 hold.