It was supposed to be Los Angeles fans' first glimpse at the great Mexico team of the future with the Spanish-based trio of Andres Guardado, Carlos Vela and Barcelona starlet Giovani Dos Santos in the starting lineup and New Mexican Edgar Castillo coming off the bench.

But what the 42,350 fans saw on Wednesday night was one of the most stunning defeats in the history of the Mexican national team program. Guatemala beat the Tri for the first time in 40 years, winning, 3-2, thanks to a pair of second-half goals by Marvin Avila.

American referee Ricardo Salazar sent off two Mexican players and two Guatemala players, as well as Guatemala coach Hernan Dario Gomez and one of his assistants. Sanchez also issued seven yellow cards.

Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez tried to downplay the loss, saying it was part of the "process" of building the team.

GAME SUMMARY:
Oct. 17 in Los Angeles
Mexico 2 Guatemala 3. Goals: Vela 31, Villaluz 32; Gomez 6, Avila 65, 74.
Mexico -- Ochoa, Esparza (Arellano, 82), Magallon (Dominguez, 46), Salcido, Moreno (Castillo, 77), Araujo (Hernandez, 88), Pineda, Villaluz, Guardado, Dos Santos (Barrera, 46), Vela (Velarde, 46).
Guatemala -- Motta, Martinez, Flores, Melgar, Cabrera, Avila, Quinones (Rodriguez, 38), Noriega, Alvizuris, Gomez, Ruiz.
Red cards: Mexico -- Villaluz 52, Pineda 62; Guatemala -- Ruiz 52, Noriega 83.
Referee: Ricardo Salazar (USA).
Att.: 42,350.