Aldo De Nigris was also on the scoresheet as El Tri completed preparations for

their Gold Cup defence in impressive fashion.

All three goals came in the first half with New Zealand improving after the

break although their task was made easier by a raft of substitutions from the

Central Americans.

The first half was all Mexico as New Zealand struggled to match the pace of

their more fancied opponents in front of a vocal 'home' crowd in Denver.

The opening goal came 23 minutes in, Carlos Salcido's shot parried by Kiwi

goalkeeper Glen Moss into the path of Dos Santos who slotted home.

Seven minutes later, Tottenham's Dos Santos made it 2-0, controlling a cross

from Pablo Barrera before rounding Moss.

Barrera also created the third after seizing on a loose ball and crossing for

De Nigris to fire home.

In the second half New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert made a number of changes,

with Ben Sigmund, David Mulligan and Chris Killen all making appearances.

Mexico also made substitutions, with both Dos Santos and De Nigris going off as

the game lost its flow.

Mexico open their Gold Cup campaign against El Salvador on Sunday while New

Zealand return home to face trans-Tasman rivals Australia.