Mexico Under-23 side open Toulon Tournament with 3-1 defeat to France

Mexico began their participation in the 2016 Toulon Tournament with a 3-1 defeat to hosts France on Wednesday. Raul "Potro" Gutierrez's side was without several key players ahead of the 2016 Clausura semifinals.

Arturo "Poncho" Gonzalez gave the young El Tri side an early lead, but a quick equalizer from Sehrou Guirassy saw the mood change.

France took control of the match and Dylan Batubinsika gave the home-side the advantage at the stroke of halftime.

The hosts then got the third goal they deserved in the 58th minute when Luis Lopez conceded a penalty and was sent off for a trip inside the box. Sehrou Guirassy stepped up and converted past Gibran Lajud to give France a 3-1 lead.

Queretaro forward Carlos Fierro should have had a penalty when he was shoved to the ground inside the box, but a ten-man Mexico failed to get back into the game as they faced their first defeat of the tournament.

Mexico next play the Czech Republic on Friday as they continue their preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics.