Mexico beats Ecuador in final Gold Cup tune-up

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:22 am

Mexico defeated Ecuador 3-2 in an international friendly on Sunday in front of a raucous crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The game served as the final warm-up for both sides before their respective contintental tournaments. Ecuador will start Copa America play next week (watch all matches in the U.S. on ESPN+) while Mexico will kick off its Gold Cup campaign on Saturday. 

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The win also makes it four in as many matches since Gerardo "Tata" Martino took over as manager. 

Mexico scored first in the 28th minute when Jonathan dos Santos weaved through the Ecuadorian defense for a booming shot from outside the penalty area.

Jonathan dos Santos score the first of Mexico's three goals on the night.
MIKE STONE/EPA-EFE

El Tri took the lead into halftime, but the South Americans equalized shortly after play resumed when Angel Mena connected on a free kick. 

Luis Montes gave Mexico the lead again in the 63rd minute on a beautiful looping free kick, but only for Eduar Preciado to level it again with a header from a corner kick.

Luis Rodriguez made it three for Mexico after receiving Jesus Gallardo's cross from across the pitch and one-timing it into the bottom right corner of the net.