UANL-Mexico made the most of its first ever appearance in the International Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, defeating Team USA 20-9.
The Mexicans bend-but-don’t-break defense was definitely the story of the day. Despite being outgained 373 yards to 183, Team Mexico kept the United States out of the end zone until the final three minutes of the game.
Running back Diego Minguia was named MVP after rushing for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
After giving up a 33-yard field goal by Tristan Heaton (Humble, Texas), Mexico took the lead with a minute left in the first quarter with an impressive drive capped by a 1-yard TD run from Minguia.
El triunfo de @AUTENTICOS_UANL en su debut en el #InternationalBowl es histórico, ya que es la primera victoria de un equipo mexicano de la categoría sub-18 sobre una selección estadounidense en ese país. pic.twitter.com/F9rIBbyvOL
— UANL (@uanl) January 13, 2018
Mexico increased its advantage with a blocked punt early in the second quarter, returned for a score by Diego Ibarra, which gave his team a 13-3 halftime edge despite having just 85 yards of offense.
While the U.S had 125 yards in the opening half, two turnovers and a 1-of-7 third-down conversion rate didn’t help.
The lead hit 20-3 midway through the third quarter, as Minguia burst through the right side for a 51-yard TD run.
The U.S. got a late score on a 70-yard pass from Braden Gleason (Muldrow, Oklahoma) to Ta’von Gwynn (Killeen, Texas). A fumble recovery gave them the ball, but an interception in the end zone by Gerardo Herrera ended the threat.
Gleason finished 19-of-27 for 203 yards, while Gwynn had eight catches for 153 yards. Terry Bland (Augusta, Georgia) led the defense with eight tackles, and Matthew Williams (Locust Grove, Oklahoma) had three for loss.