Carlos Vela (green jersey) had a goal in Mexico's win over Ireland on June 1, 2017, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. (Photo: Victor Straffon/Straffon Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey – Mexico scored two goals in the first half en route to a 3-1 win over Ireland in an international friendly on Thursday before 42,017 fans at MetLife Stadium.
It was the Tricolor’s last game ahead of hosting Honduras in a World Cup qualifier on June 8 at the Estadio Azteca.
Showing no ill effects from a 2-1 loss to Croatia on Saturday, Mexico jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.
From the middle, Jorge Hernandez – on his international debut – delivered an accurate pass to the left wing for Jesus Corona. The Porto attacker dribbled into the left side of the box and, while surrounded by four defenders, fired right-footed shot into the net from 15-yards out.
The advantage was doubled in the 25th minute, when Raul Jimenez converted a penalty kick after Carlos Vela was fouled in the box by James McClean.
Vela made it 3-0 in the 54th minute, tapping in from one yard off a feed from Oribe Peralta, who gained possession after goalkeeper Darren Randolph made a diving stop off the Club America star’s initial effort.
A defensive miscue gave Ireland a consolation goal in the 76th minute as Stephen Gleeson slotted home from 13 yards following a miskicked clearance by Oswaldo Alanis.
Mexico remained unbeaten in six all-time games against Ireland, improving to 2W-4D-0L.
