U.S. vs. Mexico in the Rose Bowl Tonight: So Who Has Home Field Advantage?

The CONCACAF Cup on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl will have more storylines than a telenovela as the US faces Mexico in front of 90,000 passionate fans.

First, on the line is a spot in the 2017 CONCACAF Cup in Russia. Even more compelling, how will the fans behave?

In 2011 here at the Rose Bowl, these two international rivals met in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Depending on which side you were cheering for; it was either a the greatest comeback in team history or a tragic collapse. The US quickly jumped ahead by scoring 2 goals, Mexico responded with 4 unanswered goals of their own, Mexico defeated the United States 4­ to 2 to capture the Gold Cup.

The lasting legacy of the game, however, is the chaos that erupted in the stands and dismal sportsmanship displayed by fans of both squads.

Pandemonium reigned:  bottles pelted fans and players and several fights broke out, flowing out into the parking lots. United States Goalie Tim Howard said he was disgusted that his team was being heckled and booed on their soil.

But this time, Rose Bowl General Manager Darryl Dunn promises fans they have nothing to worry about.

“You learn from all your experiences,” Dunn said. “We’ve recognized that it’s an intense rivalry. Inside the Rose Bowl it’s going to be electric and it’s going to feel like a World Cup match,” Dunn told the Los Angeles Times.

To address that, Pasadena Police Lt. Art Chute said Saturday’s security presence inside and outside the stadium — uniformed and undercover police — will be a third larger than in 2011, plus 60% more private security personnel. It’s also going to be more orderly and safer as the result of a larger police presence, cooperation from the soccer federations of both countries and a ticket­ distribution system designed to keep fans of the two teams separated, authorities predicted.

Pasadena will profit too, with Dunn saying the city will make more than $400,000 — possibly a lot more — for hosting the game.

The entire stadium was filled with Mexico fans four years ago but a lot more US fans are expected to be in attendance for today’s match and that should guarantee an incredible atmosphere.

One group of US fans is called The American Outlaws, a fan group organized  to support the United States National Soccer Teams.

American Outlaws member James Bathgate created a GoFundMe account in an effort to raise money to send United States military veterans to today’s game with the stated purpose of ensuring that the US team will have enough supporters in a crowd expected to be heavily in favor of Mexico.

Recent history is on the USA’s side as they haven’t lost to Mexico in any of their last six encounters (W3 D3). The last time they lost to El Tri was at the Rose Bowl in that 2011 Gold Cup showdown.

At the press conference coach Klinsmann seemed confident about his team performing on the big stage.

“Big games are a way to measure yourself, we want to give the fans a great show,” said Klinsmann. The coach isn’t concerned about the fact a majority in attendance will be going for Mexico.

“Maybe they will pull off the green jerseys and reveal the red, white and blue,” he joked.

Mexico has received a double boost ahead of the game as veteran defender Rafa Marquez and midfielder Andres Guardado have shaken off knocks and are expected to start. Other star names included in the squad are Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez. In his place came Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti, but only on a four­ game interim basis. With Juan Carlos Osorio announcing this week he will be the man to take the reins on a permanent basis, Ferretti’s short­-lived reign will end after Tuesday’s friendly against Panama. But he still has a chance to leave an indelible mark with a victory over El Tri’s great rival to secure a place at the Confederations Cup ­­ a competition with which Mexico has always had a strong association.

Enjoy the CONCACAF Cup Fanfest on the Brookside Golf Course Driving Range, just North of Gate N, beginning at 2:00 PM. There will be plenty of food, beverages, interactive games and entertainment prior to the match.

Parking lots open at 2:00 PM to the General Public, $25 Carpool General Parking (4 or more in vehicle) $40 General Parking (3 or less in vehicle) $100 Limousine Parking $150 Bus and RV Parking.

So come out and be a part of this deep rivalry that transcends sports.