US-Mexico at Rio Tinto

So says Esto's Fernando Schwartz. The US-Mexico World Cup qualifier on Feb. 11 is set to be played at MLS' newest stadium in Sandy, Utah.

The last two US-Mexico qualifiers on American soil have been played at Columbus Crew Stadium so it's a good thing that the game has been moved to a different venue.

Initial thoughts (and I'll have more as I organize these):

- This is great for Sandy and Salt Lake. It's a real affirmation that the area is seen as more than just a bit player in the soccer landscape in the United States. Not only has the stadium added a lot to MLS but now the federation has decided the stadium worthy enough to host possibly the most important game in several years. This isn't just some random friendly or even your ordinary qualifier; this is US-Mexico.

- The weather will be a factor. This game was not going to be played in an area that wasn't going to offer the chance of freezing weather and all the nastiness the bitter winter has to offer. The US doesn't have much in terms of home-field advantage when it comes to supporters but this vast country has all sorts of climates and the US is certainly using that to their advantage.

- On a personal level... can you say roadie? I'm all over this game. This is about a 10-hour drive from my house and I should be there for all the action. I'm not much of a fan of cold weather but that's not going to stop me from making the drive. Hopefully it won't be the only roadie I make for US-Mexico in 2009 (I'm hopeful to make the ultimate roadie to Mexico City in August) but it will be memorable regardless of what other games outside of SoCal I make it out to.