Mexico and Australia drew 2-2 on Saturday in Dallas, Texas, thanks to an equalizer from rookie Cesar Huerta.
Australia took the lead thanks to a goal from defender Harry Souttar in the 16th minute of the friendly game. Martin Boyle sent a cross from a corner kick that Souttar headed past Guillermo Ochoa, the opposing goalie.
The Socceroos played solid defense in the opening 45 minutes despite having a weak majority of possession, and they had minimal problems holding onto their 1-0 lead at halftime.
After the halftime, Keanu Baccus used his hand to block a shot from Luis Romo of El Tri into the penalty area, giving Mexico a chance to tie the game.
Forward Santiago Giménez went up with a chance to tie the game, but his attempt hit the post instead of the goal.
Riley McGree was fouled by Romo in Mexico’s box a few seconds later, and Australia was assessed their own penalty. In the 63rd minute, Boyle slid the ball into the goal, bringing the Socceroos’ advantage to 2-0.
After another debutant from Australia, Cameron Burgess, pushed over Uriel Antuna in the area, Mexico was given another chance to score from the penalty spot. Ral Jiménez, a Fulham forward who had just entered the game as a substitute, made no mistakes with his penalty kick to cut Australia’s lead to 2-1.
Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano’s extra tactical adjustments energized Mexico, who upped their offensive pressure and eventually scored again in the 83rd minute on a goal from replacement Huerta in his debut game for the national team.
El Tri put pressure on Australia in the final minutes after being inspired by the goal, but they were unable to change the outcome, which remained at 2-2.
With a draw, Mexico will play a friendly against Uzbekistan on next Tuesday, while Australia has a few weeks to get ready for their subsequent friendly against England on October 13.
