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The United States Women’s National Team defeated Mexico thanks to a last-gasp stoppage time screamer by substitute Lauren Cheney. Mexico shocked the U.S. back in November, but the resolve and technical skill that propelled Leo Cuellar’s team to the 2-1 victory were absent today. Despite Mexico’s lack of attacking thrust, the team nearly played spoilers again. The U.S. was mere seconds away from earning its first ever draw in a World Cup send-off match.

Cheney’s blistering strike from distance was nothing short of spectacular, and gave the U.S. the 1-0 win. A victory for either side looked unlikely in the hour and a half that preceded that.

The U.S.’s midfield looked more organized than it had in previous outings. Shannon Boxx remained behind Carli Lloyd, who had helped to keep possession very much in the favor of the U.S. Megan Rapinoe and Heather O’Reilly looked like bona fide wingers once more; hugging the endlines before cutting in and serving up crosses.

The team’s biggest limitation was its lack of a cutting edge in front of goal. For all the possession and chances the U.S. had carved out in the first half, the end result remained elusive. And it wasn’t because of Mexico’s stout defending. Other than several bold blocks by teenaged goalkeeper Ceci Santiago, neither Abby Wambach, nor Amy Rodriguez, nor virtually anyone else could get their shots on frame. The profligacy in the final third began to border on the absurd.

The frustration continued in the second half as the U.S.’s lack of finishing seemingly helped to lift Mexico’s confidence. In the first half, Mexico seemed content to sit back and absorb the pressure before launching rather lax counterattacks. Mexico spent more time on the ball in the second interval, however, and kept the U.S. back four periodically occupied for the first time in the match.

A 0-0 draw looked like an assured result. Then with mere minutes to play, Cheney showed the initiative that had been sorely lacking throughout the game and gave her team the decisive – if somewhat unwarranted – result. The Boston Breakers striker’s goal even got her name trending worldwide on Twitter.

Twitter is a dubious - if not downright misleading - indicator of true relevance and staying power, but this is the United States Women’s National Team the world is perhaps still familar with; a formidable team that can put forth extraordinary moments when all hope seems lost.

Followers of the USWNT know that’s only half of the story. The USWNT will enter the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a long list of questions that have been left unanswered. A defense that wasn’t truly tested today has been far from convincing, the center of midfield continues to puzzle, a dependable attacking option outside of Abby Wambach has not been found, and Sundhage’s rigid tactics continue to frustrate and bewilder.

But if the team can continue to produce the capricious moments of brilliance that it has up to now, what will it matter?

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