In 2009, Michael Bradleys brace helped the USAto a third-consecutive Dos a Cero home qualifying win against Mexicoto open the final round of qualifying with another 2-0 victory.

The Dos a Cero tradition against El Tr continued in 2013 as the USMNT again booked a spot at the World Cup with a 2-0 triumph against their rivals. Donovan had a big say in that match as his corner kick set up the first goal by Eddie Johnson in the 49th minute before he celebrated his own in the 78th minute. Goalkeeper Tim Howard produced some stellar saves late in the first half when it was still scoreless.

"Anytime you win a game to qualify for the World Cup, and it happens to be against Mexico, it's hard to top that," Donovan said. "That was a very memorable night."

In 2016, Mexico broke the streak, using a last-minute header by Rafa Marquez to earn a 2-1 win against the USA in the opening match of the final round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.

Beyond the wins against Mexico, Columbus has also served as a welcoming place for the team to recover after difficult road results.

Only four days after losing an early lead and suffering a 2-1 semifinal round defeat at Jamaica on Sept. 7, 2012, the USMNT returned to Historic Crew Stadium, using Herculez Gomezs 55th minute free kick to earn an emotional 1-0 win on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The team faced a similar scenario during the semifinal round in 2016. A poor performance led to a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Guatemala, pushing the teams back against the wall for advancement when it faced Los Chapines again four days later in Columbus.

The home crowd again provided the perfect backdrop to the USAs resounding 4-0 thumping of Guatemala on March 29, 2016, a match that also marked then 17-year-old Christian Pulisics senior team debut.

While the streak against Mexico ended, Columbuss importance to the USMNT continued last fall as the team hosted Costa Rica in its first match at brand-new Lower.com Field on Oct. 13.

In a similar situation to the 2012 matches against Jamaica, the USMNT landed in Ohio on the back of a 1-0 defeat at Panama.

Though the side surrendered a first-minute goal to Keysher Fuller, the boisterous Columbus crowd willed a thrilling comeback. The USMNT equalized behind Sergio Dest's 25th-minute wonder strike before the right back set up the game-winner in the 66th minute. The Barcelona defender sent a short pass to Tim Weah on the right side of the penalty area, where the Lille forward drilled a shot that hit the right post, then caromed off goalkeeper Leonel Moreira before entering the net.

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FORTRESS COLUMBUS: Detailing the USMNT's History of Success in Central Ohio - U.S. Soccer