Mexico edges Chile on Hernandez goal
SAN DIEGO -- Javier Hernandez came off the bench to score late in the second half and lift Mexico to a 1-0 win over Chile in an international friendly on Wednesday at Qualcomm Stadium.
In what was the last preparation match for both teams ahead of the Copa America Centenario, the Tricolor's unbeaten streak was extended to 19 consecutive games, including nine straight wins. Defending champion Chile fell to a CONCACAF side for the second time in as many outings, also dropping a 2-1 decision to visiting Jamaica on Friday.
With many of those in the crowd of 68,254 chanting his name, Hernandez replaced Raul Jimenez in the 78th minute. Nine minutes later, the Bayer Leverkusen star netted the game-winner, heading home Miguel Layun's right-sided cross into the upper left corner.
Chile enjoyed the better of play in the first half and could have taken the lead in the 26th minute, but Edson Puch hit the right post from inside the six-yard box.
Mexico, which improved to 7-0-0 under head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, opens its Copa America Centenario schedule against Uruguay on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.
International Friendly
June 1, 2016: Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, California USA (Att: 68,254)
Mexico-Chile 1-0 (0-0)
Javier Hernandez 87'
Mexico: Alfredo Talavera; Nestor Araujo (Andres Guardado 46'), Yasser Corona, Diego Reyes, Jorge Torres Nilo, Oribe Peralta (Hirving Lozano 61'), Paul Aguilar (Jesus Molina 46'), Miguel Layun, Hector Herrera (Jesus Dueñas 65'), Jesus Manuel Corona (Javier Aquino 56'), Raul Jimenez (Javier Hernandez 77'). Head Coach: Juan Carlos Osorio
Chile: Christopher Toselli; Eugenio Mena, Enzo Roco, Jose Pedro Fuenzalida, Alexis Sanchez (Mauricio Pinilla 81'), Arturo Vidal, Nicolas Castillo (Eduardo Vargas 50'), Gary Medel (Gonzalo Jara 68'), Charles Aranguiz, Marcelo Diaz (Francisco Silva 64'), Edson Puch (Fabian Orellana 56'). Head Coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi
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