El Salvador strikes early to subdue Curacao

Los Angeles (AFP) – Quick goals from Gerson Mayen and Rodolfo Zelaya lifted El Salvador to a 2-0 victory over Curacao in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Denver.

The victory boosted El Salvador’s hopes of advancing from Group C, in which reigning champions Mexico and Jamaica faced off later in a rematch of the 2015 final.

Zelaya was involved in both goals, delivering a crisp pass to Mayen who freed himself in the middle of the box and kicked the ball past goaltender Eloy Room in the 21st minute.

Three minutes later, Zelaya managed to make enough space to chest down a long ball, dribble into the penalty area and fire.

The victory gave El Salvador three points after their opening 3-1 loss to Mexico.