Javier Aguirre’s third term as coach of the Mexican men’s national team began on Saturday with an impressive 3-0 win over New Zealand.

Goalscorers: Pineda 5′, Huerta 53′, Romo 57′

The sparsely attended Rose Bowl was a one-way street as Mexico, under new management, immediately went full steam ahead against a struggling New Zealand team.

Without Guillermo Ochoa, Edson Álvarez, Raúl Jiménez or Hirving “Chucky” Lozano in the squad, a new group of talents gave their best in the new Aguirre era.

It took less than five minutes for the Oceania team to concede a goal after failing to clear the ball in the box, before Orbelin Pineda volleyed in Mexico’s first goal in their last three matches.

Although El Tri dominated the match with 13 shots on goal to 2, New Zealand’s defense managed to keep them at bay. Santiago Gimenez had another night to forget for the national team as his goal drought continued.

A substitution was key to the 2-0 equaliser early in the second half. After just 60 seconds on the pitch, Cesar Huerta put El Tri two goals ahead with a right-footed shot.

And with that second goal, the floodgates opened. This time, Pineda was the provider as Luis Romo’s shot from outside the box found the bottom right corner, giving Mexico their third goal of the game.

New Zealand had to wait until the 70th minute for Matthew Garbett to have his first shot on goal and it was a night not soon forgotten.

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images