In 2007, the United States defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Gold Cup Final at Soldier Field.

In 2009, Mexico defeated the United States 5-0 in the Gold Cup Final at Giant's Stadium.

In 2011... well, you get the picture. 

Today, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the two rivals will face off yet again in front of a sold-out crowd of over 95,000. Most will be wearing green and supporting El Tri, some (like myself) will be clad in red, white or blue, trying to make a bit of noise in support of a hometown team who may feel very, very far from home.

Fulham's Clint Dempsey and Carlos Salcido will be on opposite sides of the field, each an important part of their respective squads in this bitter rivalry.

And, despite the clear animosity between the two sides, the players took a moment to show that their bonds at Fulham still hold strong beyond their regional rivalry.

Both the United States and Mexico played their Gold Cup semifinal matches at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Wednesday. After securing victory to move on to the final, as fate would have it, the squads shared a chartered flight to California along with some selected media.

As relayed by a few reporters, the sides remained separate for the entire flight. Not openly hostile, but the typical camaraderie found between professionals was absent.

Except for between Dempsey and Salcido.

As relayed by Grant Wahl on Twitter:

Story from USA-Mexico shared plane: both sides kept apart, but Fulham teammates Dempsey/Salcido met at DMZ for a hug.

Perhaps I've used a bit of hyperbole here, and if you accused me of doing so I wouldn't have much of an argument against it. 

But, for as tense and traditionally foul as the relationship between the two teams is, that Salcido and Dempsey took time to embrace one another under unfriendly terms is a very cool moment. Perhaps just a mutual sign of respect, but one that could have been made before or after the flight.

Instead, it was made in front of their teams, while, apparently, no similar embraces or cordialities occurred between others.

Salcido's status for the match is up in the air, having suffered a heel injury against Honduras. Still, it's hard to imagine he won't start. The only lingering question for Dempsey is where he will play.

Dempsey leads the U.S. with three goals in the tournament, but has spent much of his time on the left wing. He shifted over to play as a lone striker in the second half against Panama and was rewarded with a goal.

Kickoff is set for 6:00 Pacific Standard Time. The winner gets a big, shiny trophy and qualifies for the 2013 Confederations Cup.