Javier Hernandez of Mexico celebrates with teammate Andres Guardado (top) after scoring during a friendly match against Ecuador in Los Angeles. (AFP)

AFP/Los Angeles

A goal by Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez and an impressive performance from goalkeeper Jesus Corona lifted Mexico to a 1-0 friendly win over Ecuador on Saturday.
In front of 90,000 fans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—a venue where Mexico enjoy strong support—Hernandez scored the lone goal in the 14th minute, ending his four-month scoring drought.
The 26-year-old striker’s last goal for club or country had come in Amsterdam on November 12 in Mexico’s 3-1 win over the Dutch.
Before that, it was in a Real Madrid shirt on October 29 in the Copa del Rey against lowly Cornella.
Hernandez, currently on loan from Manchester United to Real Madrid, gained possession outside the penalty area and beat two defenders before curling the ball past Ecuadoran keeper Alexander Dominguez and in off the post.
It was his 39th goal for Mexico, tying him with Cuauhtemoc Blanco for second on his country’s all-time list—seven behind all-time scoring leader Jared Borgetti.
Corona’s crucial contribution included three denials of Miller Bolanos—including from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
Referee Christopher Reid awarded the penalty after Diego Reyes collided in the area with first-half substitute Angel Mena.
Corona dived right for the stop and preserved Mexico’s lead.
Mexico nearly doubled their advantage nine minutes from full time with a Raul Jimenez header that was parried by Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez onto the crossbar.
“It was a very important win because we want in each game to try to show how to respond to the confidence that the manager gives to us when he calls us up,” Hernandez told ESPN after the match.
“We’re very happy with this victory. We know they’re friendlies, but we know it’s better when you prepare all the process when you win most of the games.”
The match was part of both teams’ build-up for the Copa America in Chile. Mexico will play the South American tournament in June as an invited guest.
Mexico are also tuning up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.
Both teams continue their preparations with friendlies in the United States on Tuesday.
Mexico will take on Paraguay in Kansas City, Missouri, while Ecuador face off against Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey.