Ecuador defeats Mexico 2-1 in friendly

Sep 5, 2010 - 3:58 AM GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) -- Christian Benitez scored after only 40 seconds to set up Ecuador's 2-1 win over Mexico in a friendly Saturday.

It was Ecuador's first victory over Mexico in 14 years, spoiling the debut of Mexico's interim coach Efrain Flores.

Benitez's opener was canceled out by an own-goal by Luis Checa in the 40th minute. Jaime Ayovi got the winner in the 58th.

Mexico had a chance to tie the game in the 59th minute, but Ecuador goalkeeper Maximo Banguera deflected Carlos Salcido's long drive off his fingertips - and then off the crossbar.

It was Mexico's second friendly match without a victory since being knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina in the group of 16. Mexico and Spain drew 1-1 last month with Enrique Meza serving as interim coach

Mexico faces Colombia on Tuesday in Monterrey, Mexico, and Flores will be on the bench again. Mexico is expected to select a full-time replacement for Javier Aguirre next month. Aguirre quit just a few days after the World Cup loss to Argentina.

The victory marked a successful debut for new Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda. Rueda took Honduras to the 2010 World Cup, but resigned afterward to take over Ecuador. Ecuador plays at Venezuela on Tuesday, a warm-up for next year's Copa America - the South American championship - in Argentina.

Both teams played some of their top Europe-based talent. For Ecuador it was Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia, and for Mexico it was his Red Devils' teammate Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, and Tottenham forward Giovanni Dos Santos.