Javier Hernandez continued his breakout season with a stellar hat-trick performance as Mexico manhandled El Salvador 5-0 Sunday night in Arlington, TX. Efrain Juarez and Aldo de Negris got things started for Mexico with their first two goals, and Chicharito took it from there, scoring all three after the half and finishing by converting a penalty in extra time.
Mexico will continue their defense of the Gold Cup in Charlotte Thursday against Cuba, who was taken apart by Costa Rica in the earlier game at Cowboys Stadium, 5-0. Meanwhile the U.S. gears up for their opener against Canada Tuesday in Detroit. They look to rebound from a 4-0 friendly drubbing at the hands of world champion Spain. Bob Bradley sat key midfielders Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley, but the rest of his squad was chosen from the best of his Gold Cup roster.
Mexico and U.S.A. do not meet in the preliminary round, so their latest showdown will have to wait for a playoff round.