Javier Hernandez powers Mexico to Copa America quarterfinal berth

PASADENA >> Javier Heandez is known as a “goal poacher,” a striker who does the most damage from inside close range. The best active North American striker stalks across the field and pounces at precise moments.

On Thursday, the Mexican forward’s moment came in the 18th minute against Jamaica when he headed in his 45th career inteational goal to bring him within one of Mexico’s all-time scoring record as Mexico beat Jamaica, 2-0, to clinch a Copa America Centenario quarterfinal spot.

In front of 83,263 at the Rose Bowl, almost all of whom were sporting Mexico colors, Heandez, known commonly by his nickname “Chicharito,” slipped undetected into open space in the box and nodded home a cross from Jesus Manuel Corona. He is one goal away from tying Jared Borgetti’s all-time Mexican scoring record.

Despite numerous chances at goal, Jamaica was held scoreless for its fifth straight Copa America game. The Reggae Boyz, playing in their second straight Copa America, have yet to ea a single point in the touament and we eliminated from quarterfinal contention.

While Mexico controlled possession during the fast-paced game, Jamaica created chances off quick counter attacks. Despite the speed to find open spaces, the Reggae Boyz lacked the finishing touch. A golden opportunity in the eighth minute curved wide of the net off Clayton Donaldson’s foot and Michael Hector was denied at the doorstep in the 40th by a great save from Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexico escaped on a fortunate no call from the referee in the 64th minute when Donaldson was taken down in the box by Raul Jimenez, but no penalty was awarded. Jimenez tackled Donaldson, but failed to catch the ball as it rolled out of bounds.

Oribe Peralta tacked on the insurance goal for Mexico as he slipped a shot inside the far post in the 81st minute, only three minutes after entering the game for Heandez.

Mexico was without midfielder Andres Guardado, who was suspended for picking up two yellow cards in Mexico’s first game.

Jamaica was also short-handed, playing without leading goal scorer Rodolph Austin (red card suspension) and head coach Winifred Schafer, who was suspended for the game after he was sent off during the last match.

Mexico stretched its unbeaten streak to 21 games, tying the federation’s all-time unbeaten record. Under manager Juan Carlos Osorio, who took the post last year, El Tri has won nine straight games, scoring 15 goals and conceding only one.

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