Mexico kicked off its busy summer schedule with a solid 3-0 win against Guatemala on Saturday night.
Manager Miguel "Piojo" Herrera fielded an experimental starting XI that at first struggled to communicate well on the pitch. El Tri dominated possession but lacked creativity and intensity in the final third against Guatemala. By halftime, Mexico had a slim 1-0 lead after 45 minutes of predictable movement forward.
The inclusion of players like Raul Jimenez and Jesus Manuel Corona in the second half boosted Mexico's attack and pushed Mexico to a more convincing 3-0 victory in the Estadio Victor Manuel Reyna.
Next up for El Tri is another preparatory friendly for the Copa America against Peru on June 3.
Player Ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating.)
GK Jesus Corona, 7 -- No problems for the veteran goalkeeper tonight. Jesus Corona wasn't tested very much by Guatemala's attack but was near-perfect when he needed to come out and retrieve the ball. The starting spot in net for the Copa America still belongs to Corona.
DF Julio Dominguez, 7.5 -- Has had shaky performances in the past but was on point as Mexico's central defender in the three-man back line. Julio Dominguez was excellent with his distribution of the ball and was able to contain most of the opportunities that Guatemala threw at him.
DF Hugo Ayala, 7 -- Hugo Ayala looked a bit uncomfortable at first but eventually worked well with Carlos Salcedo and Dominguez in defense. The 28-year-old at times pressured Guatemala's midfield and also provided decent long passes forward, including a 64th minute through ball that set up Herrera's second goal.
DF Carlos Salcedo, 7 -- Solid game from one of the most consistent players in Mexico this year. Salcedo was fantastic with his clearances and helped keep El Tri's clean sheet in the match. Seems to be a likely starter for the Copa America.
DF Efrain Velarde, 5 -- An unconvincing game from Efrain Velarde. The wingback was nonexistent in the first half and easily lost possession when he seldom had the ball. His performance in the second half was slightly better, but his movement with the ball still left much to be desired.
DF Gerardo Flores, 7.5 -- One minute he is dribbling the ball out of bounds, the next, he's assisting a goal. In the first half, Gerardo Flores was Mexico's most dangerous player going forward while also looking questionable defensively. Perhaps a 5-3-2 system truly suits the right wing-back, who was one of the standout players in the match.
MF Javier Guemez, 7 -- Easy day at the office for Javier Guemez. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder had no real work to do against a Guatemalan side that couldn't maintain possession. That said, the youngster was smart with his passing and helped keep control of the match.
MF Juan Carlos Medina, 6 -- Juan Carlos Medina was Mexico's catalyst in the attack during the first 30 minutes but quickly became hidden afterward. Medina did a fantastic job of connecting the attack and midfield, but as mentioned, was largely unseen as the game progressed.
MF Luis Montes, 5.5 -- Luis Montes was another midfielder with a surprisingly quiet game. The 29-year-old had one good shot on net and then had no real influence afterward. Montes was completely overshadowed by the younger Corona after he was substituted out.
FW Eduardo Herrera, 8.5 -- What can you say about Eduardo Herrera? The tall Pumas striker isn't the most technically gifted player, but he has been able to finish the ball when given the opportunity for Mexico. The 26-year-old scored twice for Mexico on Saturday and couldn't have done more to make a case for himself as a starter.
FW Vicente Matias Vuoso, 6.5 -- Vicente Matias Vuoso worked well with the midfield but wasn't a real threat to the Guatemalan defense. The 33-year-old was one of the harder working players on the pitch but was ultimately predictable with his movement on and off the ball.
Substitutes
MF Jesus Manuel Corona, 8 -- Halftime substitute for Montes. Who knows what Corona could have done if he had another 45 minutes. The young midfielder took chances nearly every time the ball was at his feet and scored Mexico's third goal during the 75th minute. Corona's risk-taking dribbling and shooting is a refreshing sight for El Tri.
GK Edgar Meliton Hernandez, 6.5 -- Halftime substitute for Jesus Corona. With only one shot for Guatemala during the second half, Edgar Meliton Hernandez had the least amount of work in the match. The goalkeeper could have taken a nap in net and still protected the lead for Mexico.
MF Marco Fabian, 6.5 -- Substitute for Vuoso in the 61st minute. Nearly had an assist off a free kick but didn't have any other noteworthy highlights during his limited time on the pitch.
DF Juan Carlos Valenzuela, 6.5 -- Substitute for Salcedo in the 61st minute. Mexico's domination of possession meant Juan Carlos Valenzuela didn't have to do very much defensively in his short time on the field.
FW Raul Jimenez, 7.5 -- Was a substitute for Herrera in the 67th minute. Came flying out of the gates with his runs toward the opposition's defense and his assist in the 75th minute. Looked very confident and energetic for El Tri.
MF Javier Aquino, 7 -- Was a substitute for Flores in the 67th minute. Took chances with his runs down the wing and connected well with the midfield. Nearly had a goal late in the match.