Michael Bradley scored twice as the United States beat Mexico 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier yesterday and remained undefeated at home against El Tri since 1999.

On a wet and windy night at Crew Stadium, under the threat of a tornado watch, the Americans earned their ninth win in 11 matches on US soil against Mexico since 2000.

Tickets had sold out in 90 minutes, with many of the 23,776 fans showing up hours before to stand in the rain while waving flags and wearing their national colours.

DaMarcus Beasley's corner kick eventually found Oguchi Onyewu, whose header was stopped by diving Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez. But the rebound fell into the path of Bradley, who hit it home.

"It was a great corner from Beas, and Landon (Donovan) did a great job heading it back," Bradley said. "It was not so hard for me to put it in."

Then, in second-half injury time, Bradley took a pass from Donovan and his shot dipped under Sanchez's arms.

Mexico captain Rafael Marquez was ejected in the 65th minute when he went high to spike goalie Tim Howard as they went for a loose ball. Howard, who angrily threw the ball down while he flexed his leg, also picked up a yellow card for delay of game on the ensuing free kick.

The loss could mean more trouble for Mexico coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. His team, with just one win in its last seven outings, barely made it into CONCACAF's final round of qualifying.