COLUMBUS, Ohio - United States national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann is hoping that Mapfre Stadium will once again tilt the scales in favor of the home team when the U.S. takes on chief rival Mexico on Friday to open the final round of World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018.
The Americans have hosted El Tri at the 23,000-seat venue - formerly called Columbus Crew Stadium - in qualifying four times since 2001, winning each by an identical 2-0 score line.
"Everyone is excited to be back home in Columbus," Klinsmann said Thursday during his prematch news conference.