SAN DIEGO, Ca- The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup continued on Sunday with Group C play in San Diego.
After a match that saw Jamaica defeat Curacao 2-1, Mexico and El Salvador went head-to-head in what was initially a close match.
Mexico’s squad does not feature the usual names fans may be accustomed to and Juan Carlos Osorio has been suspended for six games due to his outburst at the FIFA Confederations Cup.
The young squad, led by Elias Hernandez, Rodolfo Pizarro and Orbelin Pineda, looked to start the tournament strong.
El Salvador opened the first few minutes in control, driving into Mexico’s box and keeping possession.
The tide turned when Mexico’s Elias Hernandez took a free kick from outside of El Salvador’s penalty box.
Hedgardo Marin was able to rise above El Salavador’s Bryan Tamacas to head the ball in, giving Mexico the lead in only the eighth minute of play.
Hedgardo Marin’s Goal
The first strike of the game.
Hedgardo Marin gives #MEX the early lead. #MEXvSLV #GoldCup2017 https://t.co/uc9ULpNxtF— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 10, 2017
El Salvador did not shy away. No more than two minutes later, a through ball from Rodolfo Zelaya gave Nelson Bonilla a good enough shot at goal. Bonilla was able to put it just past Jesus Corona, tying the game up in the 10th minute.
Nelson Bonilla’s Equalizer
Nelson Bonilla with the quick response for #SLV. #MEXvSLV #GoldCup2017 https://t.co/UzSmYF8KyY
— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 10, 2017
El Salvador continued to attack aggressively but Mexico’s back line stayed firm, disallowing any possible damage.
The tone of the rest of the match was likely set in the 29th minute.
Jesús Gallardo sent in a cross from the right wing, which was met by Elias Hernandez for this incredible strike.
Elias Hernandez’s Strike, Gold Cup Goal of the Tournament Contender?
Elias Hernandez with a spectacular one timer! #MEX up 2-1 vs #SLV. #GoldCup2017 https://t.co/qHydqomwZr
— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 10, 2017
With Mexico claiming a 2-1 lead in the first half, El Salvador’s attack wasn’t as potent as it was only minutes before.
The second half started much different than the first, as Mexico maintained control and created opportunities.
Orbelin Pineda, who had taken Luis Reyes’ place at halftime, essentially put the game away early in the second half.
The Chivas forward was met by a cross from Elias Hernandez, which he was then able to get just past Benji Villalobos for the third and final goal of the match for Mexico.
Orbelin Pineda’s Goal
Orbelin Pineda’s goal for #MEX, sealing the 3-1 victory. #GoldCup2017 pic.twitter.com/ga3yyALLmR
— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 10, 2017
The rest of the match saw El Salvador replace Villalobos, who took a shot to the face from Hernandez, with Derby Carrillo.
Mexico’s dominance for the rest of the match was unmatched.
Statistically and overall, Mexico put together a dominant performance against El Salvador.
El Tri opened up the Gold Cup with 66% possession, 16 shots and 7 on goal. El Salvador finished with 34% possession, 12 shots and 4 on goal.
Elias Hernandez was perhaps the most important man on the pitch, earning him Man of the Match. The 29-year-old recorded one goal, two assists and made countless plays helping Mexico put this game away.
Mexico may have their toughest test when they head to Denver on Thurdsay, as they take on Jamaica. El Salvador will face Curacao.
El Salvador is still a favorable team to make it out of the group stage as a third place qualifier but Curacao kept Jamaica on their toes.
GROUP C STANDINGS
Group C Standings
1. #MEX, 3 Pts
2. #JAM, 3 Pts
3. #CUW, 0 Pts
4. #SLV, 0 Pts#GoldCup2017 https://t.co/8xRcSFoKe5— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 10, 2017
Group play will resume on Tuesday with Group A action.
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