Mexico, Australia U-23s tie
Published: Monday, March 3, 2008 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 3, 2008 at 3:30 a.m.
OAKLAND -- Substitute Troy Hearfield scored in the 87th minute, and Australia's under-23 national team played to a 1-1 draw with Mexico on Sunday.
In a sold-out Coliseum packed with Mexican fans, the home favorites scored in the 18th minute when Australian defender Adrian Leijer deflected Edgar Castillo's crossing pass into his own net.
Mexico dominated much of the game with 18 shots to Australia's five, but Australian goalie Tando Velaphi made several saves. The biggest was an impressive stop on Cesar Villaluz, who plays for Cruz Azul, in the 58th minute.
Hearfield, a recent addition to the U-23 team, came on as a midfield substitute and scored Australia's late goal on a play that began from a throw-in.
The match was a tuneup for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, which begins March 11.
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