Cesar Huerta marks El Tri debut with goal against Australia | OneFootball

Cesar Huerta marked his Mexican national team debut with a goal against Australia in “dream come true” scenario.

The Pumas UNAM player came off the bench in the 60th minute to replace Alexis Vega before immediately making an impact on the left wing. But it wasn’t until the final moments that he commemorated his first El Tri match with the stunning right-footed volley over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to equalize and make it 2-2.

“It's a dream debut, I'm very happy, I want to dedicate it to my family and the people who never stop supporting me. Thank you Jimmy for the trust, Jordi [Cortizo] and I have been doing things well, we are not the only ones, there are more players coming from behind and this requires perseverance and patience and when the opportunity comes you have to take advantage of it,” he said after the game.

Huerta’s performance impressed new head coach Jaime Lozano, who gave the Pumas player his first call up and appearance with the national team.

"I knew when he came in what was going to happen. Chino showed today exactly what he has been doing at his club, and I really enjoyed it,” added Lozano. "Him and Jordi Cortizo are players who attract attention, who have to give little indications and let them shine. Today it was their turn. I love the competition that we are generating, a shame because we came to win, but they were a very good rival.”

Rayados de Monterrey player Jordi Cortizo also earned his first minutes with the senior team on Saturday against Australia, replacing Orbelin Pineda in the second half. The young additions to the roster signal a new chapter under Jaime Lozano, who earned the permanent head coach position after winning the 2023 Gold Cup as interim manager.

Mexico stood as one of the nations with the oldest roster at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, averaging an age of 28.5 to land in second place behind Iran. Now, the introduction of players like Cesar Huerta and Chiquete Orozco pave the way for a fresh start for El Tri.

Lozano’s side will conclude the September international window with a friendly against Uzbekistan on September 12.