Late game goals from Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie provided the United States an unexpected 2-0 victory over Mexico in Cincinnati on Friday, Nov. 12, allowing the team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico had begun the match brightly, with the United States’ Zack Steffen blocking several potential goals from its opponents.

But the U.S. team regrouped after halftime and Pulisic broke the visitors’ resistance in the 74th minute when he headed home following a Timothy Weah cross from the right flank.

McKennie doubled the lead 11 minutes later when he swept home an angled finish after the ball rebounded off a Mexico defender’s leg and fell fortuitously into his path.

The hosts finished the match with just 10 men after central defender Miles Robinson was sent off for a second booking in the 89th minute.

With the win, the United States rose to the top of the North, Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF) zone World Cup qualifying standings.

While the United States and Mexico are currently tied on 14 points, the U.S. team has a slightly better goal difference.

The game was not without fierce tempers among the avid players, with yellow cards being handed out to both teams after a scuffle over a throw in.