Jordan Morris (#9) gets congratulated by teammates after scored in the USA's win over Mexico in an under-23 friendly on April 22, 2015, in Carson, California. (Photo: Mexsport)
CARSON, California -- The United States struck for three goals within a 20-minute span in the second half to register a 3-0 victory over Mexico in an under-23 friendly at the StubHub Center on Wednesday.
Mario Rodriguez, Christian Dean and Jordan Morris scored for the Americans, while goalkeeper Cody Cropper earned the clean sheet with seven saves.
Rodriguez gave the host all the scoring it needed in the 48th minute. Captain Luis Gil sent a left-wing cross to the sliding Borussia Moenchengladbach forward, who volleyed it into the lower right corner past goalkeeper Luis Cardenas.
Ten minutes later, Dean doubled the advantage after Bernardo Hernandez was called for a foul on Rodriguez on the left flank. Dillon Serna delivered the free kick into the penalty area, allowing an unmarked Dean to head home from four-yards out.
Morris, a Stanford University student-athlete, who recorded his first international goal for the senior side in a 2-0 win over Mexico in San Antonio, Texas, last week, closed out the scoring in the 68th minute. Gil launched a high corner kick to the far side of the goalkeepers' box. Shane O'Neill then fed a short cross for Morris to drill a left-footed volley that Cardenas managed to get a hand on, but could not stop.
Cropper was tested several times. He made a diving save in the opening minute and denied Angel Saldivar in the 33rd and 64th minutes.
The Americans next will participate at the Toulon Tournament in France, squaring off against the host nation (May 27), Netherlands (May 29), Costa Rica (May 31) and Qatar (June 2).
Mexico and the USA will compete in the CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship in the United States from October 1-13, 2015
