Mexico vs. Ecuador: Why Jesus Corona's Return Is a Key for El Tri

Mexico's win over Ecuador was far from convincing, and in great part it was Jesus Corona's responsibility. Coach Miguel Herrera has to be thankful.

The Cruz Azul footballer kept his goal untouched for all 93 minutes of the game. He even stopped a penalty kick, which would have evened the score in the second half.

El Tri lacked depth and verticality, which they had shown last year, especially since the 2014 World Cup.

This allowed Ecuador to take over ball possession and attack constantly through the flanks, leaving the centre-backs with a lot of work when the rivals sent crosses or through balls.

Hector Moreno was solid, but he didn't seem comfortable with Diego Reyes and Hugo Ayala on his sides. Moreno's leadership left much to be desired.

But Corona was in the back to help the team secure their first win of 2015.

El Piojo must be satisfied with Corona's return. 

The Cruz Azul footballer had been away from the national team since last summer's World Cup, when Herrera picked Guillermo Ochoa as his first option for the tournament.

When Mexico returned from Brazil, the coach shared with the media why he had come to that conclusion, which infuriated Corona, as reported by Excelsior (in Spanish).

Ever since, El Piojo has capped Ochoa, of course, as well as Moises Munoz and Alfredo Talavera for the previous friendlies.

However, with the Gold Cup and Copa America around the corner, El Tri's coach needs to pick at least two more goalkeepers.

It is true that Meliton Hernandez (Veracruz) and Cirilo Saucedo (Tijuana) are doing a fantastic job, but they lack the experience to start in that sort of competition.

With Herrera's commitment to win the Gold Cup and reach the final showdown of the Copa America, he truly needs to line up the very best.

This means not only talented players, but also those who have shown they can take the pressure and perform just as well.

Corona has been showing those two abilities for a while.

He was superb in the 2012 Summer Olympics, helping Mexico secure the gold medal, and has excelled with Cruz Azul—he went unbeaten for 498 minutes in the 2015 Clausura.

No one should doubt Ochoa's skills. The Malaga 'keeper has been fantastic since he secured the starting position last year, but Herrera needs to know he can trust at least two more goalies.

Against Ecuador, Corona managed to complete 81 percent of the passes he sent, plus he made six recoveries.

If there were something to criticize, it would be Corona's lack of communication with the back line. There were times where it felt as if he was not talking at all with them.

This situation led to several goal opportunities for Gustavo Quinteros' side. The good thing is Corona was focused last night.

Now that Miguel Herrera has capped Diablos Rojos 'keeper Hernandez to replace Ochoa, who went back to Spain as he's having his second child, Corona has to keep up the solid playing level.

If nothing crazy happens, he will make either the Gold Cup or the Copa America squad, and he has to play in the starting position.

All stats appear courtesy of ESPN FC and Mi Seleccion Gamecast (in Spanish).