Argentina 1, Mexico 0

LOS ANGELES (AP) Gonzalo Rodriguez scored his first goal against international competition to give Argentina a 1-0 victory over Mexico on Tuesday night in front of 65,000 people at the Memorial Coliseum.

Rodriguez, an 18-year-old defender, scored in the 14th minute. Andres D'Alessandro's corner kick bounced between Rodriguez and Mexico's Diego Martinez in front of the net.

Rodriguez tapped the ball past goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez from 2 feet.

Rodriguez also stopped a shot in the 84th minute. His diving header in front of the net deflected Pavel Pardo's intended pass to Fernando Arce across the end line to force a corner kick.

Argentine goalkeeper Diego Sebastian Saja made a crucial save in the 76th minute when he deflected Jose Antonio Castro's hard 17-yard shot while on his knees.

Forwards Jesus Arellano and Jared Borguetti and defender Ramon Morales, who were on Mexico's original roster for the game, were injured and stayed in Mexico. The three played in the 2002 World Cup.

The game marked the debut of Manuel Lavolpe as Mexico's coach. Lavolpe replaces Javier Aguirre, who guided Mexico in the 2002 World Cup.

Martinez, Arce and Israel Lopez made their international debuts for Mexico.

Argentina's roster consisted exclusively of young players from its top domestic league.

Argentina will play the United States on Saturday in Miami's Orange Bowl.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)