COLUMBUS, Ohio -- When the U.S. and Mexico meet in a World Cup qualifier Friday night in Ohio, the rivals will play against a backdrop of amped-up political vitriol provoked by Donald Trump during his successful presidential campaign.Winning this swing state with 52 percent of the vote was one of the keys to Trumps victory Tuesday. During a contentious campaign, the billionaire promised to build a wall on the Mexican border to help stem illegal immigration.Even before Trumps triumph, a raucous, pro-American crowd was expected in Columbus, where the U.S. has beaten El Tri 2-0 in four consecutive home qualifiers.I certainly think theres an added layer to this game, given everything thats gone on the last few months, U.S. captain Michael Bradley said. We have total respect for everybody and a real appreciation not just for the Mexican-Americans but for the people from around the world who come and make a new life for themselves in our country.Players said Thursday they dont think the political climate will affect the usually dialed-up intensity between the two sides. There is already so much at stake at the beginning of the final round of qualifying, known as the hexagonal.I would hope not, you know? midfielder Alejandro Bedoya said. I know there are people out there who would like to politicize this game, but I dont see the need for it. Its a rivalry -- U.S. vs. Mexico. Its nothing more than that. Were going to try to kick each others butt on the field.Bedoya said he hopes the fans respect the Mexican team, as well.Im not really that concerned, midfielder Sacha Kljestan said. I think the message is that we be positive with each other and really come together, like we always do. Im not worried.Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio, a native of Argentina, sidestepped questions about the political overtones. Mexico didnt make its players available to comment Thursday.I was first an exchange student, then I was an immigrant in the United States trying to get a great opportunity and work, and work as hard as any American. So I can sympathize with how the Mexicans feel about the whole situation, Osorio said. Nevertheless my efforts are all directed toward winning the game and nothing else. Im really not here to discuss any political issues.The match is the opener of the 10-game final round of qualifying in the North and Central American and Caribbean region. The top three nations qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and the No. 4 team advances to a playoff against the fifth-place Asian team for another berth. The U.S. plays Costa Rica on Tuesday.Defender Geoff Cameron, midfielder Kyle Beckerman and forward Chris Wondolowski will miss the match because of injuries.Tim Howard is expected to be back in goal for the U.S., and he comes to Columbus on a high note. He saved two penalty kicks during the Colorado Rapids shootout victory against the L.A. Galaxy on Sunday, sending the club to its first Western Conference Final since 2010.Mexico has gone 12-1-2 since Osorio, a former Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls coach, took over in October 2015 -- the loss was 7-0 to Chile in the Copa America quarterfinals in June.We have big respect for them, Bradley said. And weve always prided ourselves on the fact that playing against them has always brought out the best in us. And we have guys who live to play in these types of games. History shows that the team that wins is the team that has more guys who are able to embrace the magnitude of the game and make big plays when it counts.---Follow Mitch Stacy at http://twitter.com/mitchstacyBalenciaga Triple S Black Cheap . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Balenciaga Triple S 2020 Cheap . -- Yogi Ferrell orchestrates pretty much everything in Indianas offence. http://www.balenciagacheapshoes.com/balenciaga-speed-trainer-sale.html . The giant slalom world champion slipped during her first run in the morning, landing on her back and then twisting forward before getting her leg caught in the protective material on the side of the slope. Balenciaga Triple S Clearance . The No. 1-ranked Nadal tweaked his back warming up for the Australian Open final, which he lost almost four weeks ago in a major upset against Stanislas Wawrinka. His first stop after the layoff is the clay in Rio as he tests the back and tries to stay healthy for the French Open in three months. Discount Balenciaga . Third-seeded Murray had the easiest path to victory on New Years Eve, barely breaking a sweat during his 6-0, 6-0 win over 2,129th-ranked Qatari wildcard recipient Mousa Shanan Zayed. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Southeastern Conference, American Athletic Conference and ASUN Conference have formed a mens basketball officiating consortium, it was announced Wednesday.The consortium was established to allow the three conferences to collaborate on all officiating matters related to recruitment, education and training, scheduling and evaluation of officials in the sport of mens basketball.Mark Whitehead, recently named Coordinator of Mens Basketball Officials in the SEC, will serve in the same position for The American and the ASUN and will oversee all operations of the consortium.We are pleased to be collaborating with The American and the ASUN to continue the enhancement of mens basketball officiating, said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. We are focused on improving the quality of mens basketball officiating and this consortium, with the leadership provided by Mark Whitehead, provides officials with coordinated assigning between our three conferences, offers opportunity for efficient evaluation and training of officials, and continues the SECs efforts to strengthen its commitment to mens basketball.ddddddddddddI want to thank Greg Sankey for inviting us to join this officiating consortium which includes the SEC and ASUN, said The American Commissioner Mike Aresco. This partnership will ensure that we have the highest quality basketball officiating. We look forward to working closely with Coordinator of Mens Basketball Officials Mark Whitehead and our colleagues at the SEC and the ASUN.Partnering with elite conferences in the SEC and The American continues to showcase our commitment to enhancing the level of officiating within our league, said ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart. We look forward to the mens basketball officiating consortium providing top-level training as well as systematic assigning and evaluations for our officials. This collaboration will create great benefits for all three conferences. ' ' '