The Daily Dirt, June 19: Mexico crumbles, Messi awaits, and MLS returns

I can’t imagine what watching my team lose 7-0 in a knockout game would feel like. The closest I can come up with is the 24-2 shellacking the New York Giants put on the Falcons in the NFC Wild Card game in January 2012. It was obvious early that there were no answers for the beating that was being delivered, nothing that could change it, and you just had to sit and watch it happen.

With many people seeing Mexico as a true contender for the Copa America Centenario crown, this level of a defeat is a complete shock. This wasn’t just your average beating either, Mexico had not lost in their last 22 games. Coach Juan Carlos Osorio had not lost with El Tri at all.

The question now is, “What happens next?” Losses like this, especially with the stakes as high as they were, usually do not go unpunished. The embarrassment stings and can permeate through an entire program. By the end of the game last night, the fans had completely turned on their own team. Goalkeeper Memo Ochoa was the recipient of the fans’ notorious chant.

Keep your eyes on the Mexican federation and Mexico City over the next few days to see what the fallout is after this debacle.

Little America

The DP trio of Lampard, Villa, and Pirlo scored the goals as NYCFC held on to defeat Philadelphia 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. (Hudson River Blue)

Philadelphia nearly came back, scoring two goals late to make for uncomfortable finish. David Villa was not happy afterwards:

New England notched its first win of the season on the road, going across the country to surprise the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1. (The Bent Musket)

Orlando and San Jose battled to a wild 2-2 draw that saw each team score in stoppage time. (The Mane Land)

Toronto won 1-0 over the visiting LA Galaxy. (Waking the Red)

Raheem Edwards scored this great goal for TFC II in Cincinnati last night:

The Rapids stayed on top of the Western Conference with a 2-1 win over Chicago. (Burgundy Wave)

Portland grabbed a 2-2 draw in Salt Lake. (Stumptown Footy)

Although this isn’t the recommended diving technique:

Charleston Battery find their winning ways, taking a 1-0 decision over the Harrisburg City Islanders with Atlanta United’s Alex Tambakis earning the shutout. (Dirty South Soccer)

World in My Eyes

Mexico crashes out of the Copa America Centenario in shocking fashion, losing 7-0 to Chile in front of a sold out Levi’s Stadium (SB Nation)

Argentina did as expected, defeating Venezuela 4-1 and setting up a semifinal on Tuesday with the USA (SB Nation)

Messi and Higuain combined for a spectacular opening goal:

Why Georgia

The Atlanta Silverbacks Women remained undefeated with a 2-0 win over the Memphis Lobos at Silverbacks Park.

The men’s team also won Saturday night, 2-1 over Tobacco Road FC, goals by Joao Mora and Douglas Diwa.

South Georgia Tormenta won their second consecutive game on the road, defeating the Carolina Dynamo 1-0 on a Nico Rittmeyer goal.

Georgia Revolution defeated Knoxville Force 2-1 at RYSA SoccerPlex Saturday night in their last home game of the 2016 season.

The Braves have discovered what a winning streak feels like, winning their fourth in a row. (Talking Chop)