International Friendly: Mkhitaryan leads Armenia to historic victory

Less than 10 minutes into Armenia's first of two international friendlies at the StubHub Center this week, the outlook was grim. A seventh minute, free-kick goal by Carlos Ruiz put Armenia in an early hole. But Borussia Dortmund Henrikh Mkhitaryan and his Armenia side held their resolve.

After being behind for over a half-hour, Mkhitaryan scored the first of his three goals on the night to equalize, en route to Armenia's largest victory ever, 7-1.

Edgar Manucharyan put Armenia ahead just ahead of halftime off an assist from Mkitaryan, signaling the floodgates were just about to open. Mkhitaryan scored in the 60th and 70th minute to complete his hat trick.

It was his second tally that was perhaps one of the best goals Mkhitaryan has ever scored. Intercepting a long throw from the Guatemala keeper, Mkhitaryan raced the ball up the left side of the pitch before sending a chip shot on goal from the left edge of the 18-yard box. The ball, much to Mkhitaryan's surprise, arched over the keeper and into the net.

Mkhitaryan's speed led to his third goal of the night, beating the Guatemala keeper to the ball at the edge of the penalty area. He proceeded to round the keeper and a pair of defenders before slotting a calm finish into a vacant net.

Two more Armenia goals, both assisted by the Dortmund winger, solidified a historic victory for Armenia; the largest in history.

Armenia will take on El Salvador on Wednesday in Carson, California.

Check out the full match highlights: