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‘The rivalry will always be there’: New-look USMNT is eager to tangle with Mexico

NASHVILLE — Any time the United States and Mexico clash on the soccer field, whether at the youth level or in a World Cup qualifier, tackles come with extra venom, goals elicit prolonged celebration and the banter between supporters is, let’s say, more animated.

But as the regional rivals assembled here for their first meeting in 15 months, a Tuesday night friendly at Nissan Stadium, the figurative temperature is lower than usual.

Consider:

It’s the early days of a fresh, four-year World Cup cycle.

Both teams have interim coaches, and both governing bodies have new presidents.