Mexico rallied with three second half goals to defeat Venezuela 3-1 on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas. Venezuela claimed a halftime lead with a goal in the 52nd minute, when forward Edgar Greco headed in a corner by captain Micky Mea Vitali, squeezing the low shot past Mexico keeper Jesus Corona.
Mexico would rally back in the second half though in grand fashion. It was typical free flowing and attacking soccer from Mexico as they fought back. At the hour mark they finally got it ties. Defender Carlos Salcido collected a pass from the left flank and, given space, sent a blast past Venezuela goalkeeper Leonardo Morales to tie it in the 68th minute.
It looked like the game was headed to a draw until the final minutes and then Mexico exploded for two goals in rapid succession. After a nifty display of passing in the 88th minute, Marquez Lugo tapped in the game-winning goal from close range. Just a minute later Oribe Peralta picked up a poor clearance at the top of the box and curled a perfect shot into the left side netting.
Both squads were without their major European based players for the match. The friendly was used to give experience to the younger domestic players and to build depth for the upcoming World Cup qualifying. Venezuela ends their two game American trip with losses to both the USA and Mexico and will return home to continue South American qualifying for World Cup 2014 in Brazil.
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