Weston McKennie was handed a red card after he got his shirt ripped off in a scuffle during the USMNT vs Mexico CONCACAF Nations League semifinal vs Mexico on Thursday. The two teams locked horns at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Mexico’s Cesar Montes kicked Folarin Balogun on the back of the hamstrings, and the referee immediately brought up a red card in the 69th minute. However, players from both teams got into a scuffle. McKennie emerged with a torn jersey and was given a red card.
Watch:
Fans praised McKennie for standing up for his teammate and then kissing the US badge on his torn jersey.
“WESTON MCKENNIE KISSING THE USA FLAG AFTER DEFENDING HIS TEAMMATE AND GETTING HIS JERSEY RIPPED 🇺🇸🔥” a Twitter user said.
Also read | Folarin Balogun: How can USMNT debut vs Mexico effect Arsenal striker’s Inter Milan trasfer
“McKennie kissing the crest in front of Mexico fans 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸” another one added.
“A signature moment for Weston McKennie #USA” a third one added.
Christian Pulisic opened the score for USMNT in the 37th minute. He doubled the lead in the 47th and USA were 2-0 up. A goal by Ricardo Pepi in the 78th minute then sealed the game for the hosts.
Also read | Will Gregg Berhalter return as USMNT coach months after Gio Reyna scandal?
USA (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Turner (GK) — 2. Dest, 4. Richards, 12. M. Robinson (Zimmerman, 82′), 5. A. Robinson — 8. McKennie (red card — 72′), 6. Musah — 21. Weah (Aaronson, 82′), 10. Pulisic, 7. Reyna (de la Torre, 74′) — 20. Balogun (Pepi, 74′).
Mexico (3-4-3, right to left): 13. Ochoa (GK) — 15. Reyes, 3. Montes (red card — 69′), 22. Guzman — 19. J. Sanchez, 18. L. Chavez, 4. E. Alvarez, 23. Gallardo (Herrera, 54′) — 21. Antuna (Arteaga, 77′), 20. Martin (Gimenez, 54′), 17. Pineda
