NASHVILLE — The United States-Mexico men’s soccer match Tuesday night was puttering along as if the players, mostly young and new to the battles, did not grasp the history of nasty rumbles and epic clashes between the bitter regional adversaries.
And then, midway through the second half, the international friendly before 40,194 spectators crackled to life.
Matt Miazga, a 6-foot-4 center back, stared down — literally and figuratively — Mexico’s 5-5 sensation, Diego Lainez, then mocked his foe’s height by extending his hand at chest level, an act that triggered a scuffle. A moment later, Angel Zaldivar was red-carded for a brutal challenge on U.