Juarez Stuns Rayados, Earns Three Valuable Points at Home
Juarez came out like a team in need of a win and had a few close calls in the 1st half. The closest of these attempts came in the 17th minute when Jefferson Intriago unleashed a right-footed shot that beat Marcelo Barovero but hit the pole denying Bravos of their 1st goal.
Bravos was able to break the deadlock before the half and went ahead in the 41st minute. Mauro Fernandez took the ball from about down the wing, cut inside and found Dario Lezcano. Lezcano received the ball with his left foot tapped it with his right foot, then was able to beat Barovero with a well placed right footed shot from the half-moon.
La Pandilla looked to have tied the game in the 55th minute of the 2nd half when Miguel Layun took a three-fingered shot that hit the post and Rogelio Funes Mori was there to tap the rebound in, however, Funes Mori was in an offside position that disallowed the goal.
The VAR again made a controversial appearance and disallowed a Bravos goal in the 74th minute after a great individual play and shot by Esquivel. The VAR reviewed a play just before Esquivel took possession of the ball and disallowed the goal.
The result gives Juarez three desperately needed points and just their second victory of the tournament. Los Bravos will look to duplicate the feat when the visit Leon after the FIFA International Break on Saturday, September 14. Los Rayados will look to bounce back when they host a streaking Necaxa on the same day.
