Mexico City -- The United States Men's National Soccer team has never beaten Mexico on their own soil. Nine minutes into the final tune-up friendly before the teams began qualification it looked like they may get their first win, and up until the final seconds it look as though they may at least get a draw. They did not.

Carlos Vela broke the Americans hearts with a header in injury time to give his national side the dramatic 4-3 victory.

What makes the loss tougher on the USA the chances they had to win or even get at least a draw out of the match.

Just minutes before Clint Dempsey had blasted home a header off a Landon Donovan corner to tie the match at 3 goal apiece. The goal topped off a great performance from Dempsey who assisted on the first two USA goals.

It seemed that the Americans luck would be better after an early error from Mexico led to their first goal. Mexican goaltender Guillermo Ochoa came way off his line to attempt a clearance, he miss played the ball horribly, and right to Dempsey who quickly found Josy Altidore (9th Min.) for the first of his two goals.

Mexico would battle back to even score in the 38th minute with the first of two goals from Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

Team USA struck quickly to open the 2nd half with Dempsey finding Altidore once more on a beautiful through ball putting the Americans ahead 2-1 in 49th minute. 

It would take Mexico 21 minutes to answer, when Israel Castro scored in the 70th minute. Just seven minutes later Blanco's 2nd tally put the home side ahead 3-2.

Struggling offensively late the U.S. managed to win a corner, and Donovan found Dempsey who tied the score in the 90th minute.

The Mexican team never flinched, attacking relentlessly in injury before winning a corner of their own. Vela rocketed home a header and Mexico kept their home record spotless against the rival Americans.

"We learned a lot about ourselves out there today," said U.S. manager Bob Bradley, "sure it's a tough way to lose, but we'll get over it."

Perhaps the any lessons learned today will benefit team USA the next time the teams meet up in qualifying and the game counts in the standing as well as the national pride column.

Bradley will have some time to decide on his roster for the Stage 3 qualifying opening game against Guatemala on August 20th.