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It was only when the unfortunate Joel Ordonez turned Josko Gvardiol's cross into his own net to give City the lead that Brugge's threat was finally extinguished, their supporters also celebrating at the final whistle as they sneaked into the play-offs in 24th place.

“The obvious thing is the change in leadership,” forward Diana ������óñ��� said “We’re not afraid. We went into this game to win. What happened was no surprise. Mexican football has changed a lot.”

Eleven of the 15 players Mexico used were either born in the U.S. or played there, including ������óñ���, who was born in Riverside; Pelayo, a Florida native; and Barreras, who is from Phoenix.

������óñ��� and Pelayo were both called up to U.S. age-group national teams but chose to leave and play for Mexico at the senior level.

“Beating the U.S. for the first time on their turf is a special feeling,” ������óñ��� said, switching to English.