Led by Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez's 18th minute headed goal and Oribe Peralta's tidy 81st minute finish, Mexico blazed past Jamaica 2-0 and secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa America Centenario.
Chicharito nets his 45th goal for Mexico to move one shy of the all-time record. #CopaAmerica #MEXvJAM #MyCopaColors https://t.co/PplhWXgdYM — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2016
In front of 83,263 fans at the Rose Bowl on Thursday night, the majority of whom were Mexico supporters, El Tri scored in both halves and neutralized Jamaica's lightning fast pace with the help of goal keeper Guillermo Ochoa. Ochoa made three vital saves, including two in the second half to keep a clean sheet in an exciting contest that thrilled neutral supporters and Mexico fans, alike.
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio on Mexican fan support during the Copa America: #Copa100 #Eltri #CopaAmerica #Mexico pic.twitter.com/1p25s1T7Nk — Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) June 10, 2016
Jamaica created chances and likely deserved at least one penalty call, but ultimately, the team that converted its chances came away with three points. With the defeat, Jamaica was eliminated from the special summer tournament involving the top North and South American teams taking place across the United States throughout June.
Sports
Get today's sports news out of Los Angeles. Here's the latest on the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, USC, UCLA and more LA teams.
Moments after coming on for Chicharito, Oribe Peralta doubles Mexico's lead. #MEXvJAM #MyCopaColors #ElTri https://t.co/ZyrS43kzWo — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2016
Thursday's match was the third game of the Copa America at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and unfortunately, it will be the last game in Southern California. Prior to Thursday night's game, the Rose Bowl also hosted a thrilling 2-1 Colombia victory over Paraguay and a dull 0-0 draw between Brazil and Ecuador.
Penalty or no penalty? #MEXvJAM #MyCopaColors https://t.co/aZVHQQlDTL — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2016
California has the honor of hosting one of the quarterfinals, as Levi's Stadium will play host on June 18. However, the competition will move East for the later rounds. The semifinals will be played in Houston and Chicago, and the final will be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
