The midfielder for the Tijuana Xolos scored a hat trick Thursday night in the U.S. men U-23 teams easy victory 6-0 over Cuba in the beginning of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Corona, 22, scored the first goal at minute 11 but he was just getting warmed up. He scored again at minute 40 and nearly at the end of the match, at minute 88.
The other goals were from Juan Agudelo at minute 37, Freddy Ady at 62, and an auto goal by Cuban defender Arturo Dizpes at minute 43.
The win leaves the U.S. team atop Group A, after Canada and El Salvador tied 0-0 earlier. The match was played before 5,000 fans at LP Field in Nashville.
The U.S. team will play three games in five days in the qualifying tournament. Up next is a match against Canada on Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. (San Diego time), and against El Salvador on Monday at 6 p.m. (San Diego time).
The top two teams from the tournament will join the 16 that will compete in the Summer Olympics in London.
Corona, a Sweetwater High alum, is taking a break from his duties as a midfielder for the Xolos. He has said it was his dream to represent a national team in world competition. His performance Thursday night was a sweet step to that goal.
editorial@sandiegored.com
