This is a great article! http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/3/26/4136238/usmnt-vs-mexico-soccer-rivalry-history-world-cup-qualifying Not Just Another Game When the USMNT played Mexico in 1980, everything changed By Noah Davis
Still getting nowhere trying to find a tape of this legendary game. I've heard that it was on the PBS show "Soccer Made In Germany." There are people who collect tapes of that show, but nobody seems to have the USA-Mexico game.
Tomorrow ESPN Classic is showing the other USA wins over Mexico in World Cup qualifiers. But of course they won't be showing the first USA victory over Mexico in a World Cup qualifier -- because the Mexican Soccer Federation won't release the tape.
Here is the oldest surviving American soccer footage: http://deadspin.com/5969531/this-might-be-the-oldest-surviving-american-soccer-footage Unfortunately, it's only a few seconds!
In 1972 the USA and Mexico played a World Cup qualifier in Los Angeles. Mexico won 2-1, but only 13,000 people watched it in person. Can you imagine the Mexican National Team only drawing 13,000 in LA? Times sure have changed.