Mexico misses a late opportunity and settles for a draw vs Panama in Pan American games opener
The U-22 Mexican National team blew away a late opportunity to earn their first three points of the 2019 Pan-American Games. Jose de Jesus Godinez failed to convert a penalty kick in stoppage time which would have sealed the deal for El Tri.
The men led by Jimmy Lozano pushed forward in the last 35 minutes of the game but were unable to get on the scoreboard. The tie puts Mexico in a difficult spot, as their schedule does not get any easier. Up next for El Tri will be a showdown versus South American power Argentina, and will close the group stage against a callous Ecuadorian side. Ecuador is coming off a marvelous third-place finish in the U-20 World Cup in Poland.
After a scoreless first half that feature little opportunities and a lack of clarity, the Mexican side decided to become the aggressor. Despite pushing the lines, the Mexicans were unable to penetrate the Panamanian’s defense. At one point there were eight Panamanian players inside the area to keep El Tri from scoring.
Mexico’s had two substantial opportunities in stoppage time. First, they nearly scored after the ball scrambled its way through the small box and the Mexicans had both of their shot attempts saved by the Panamanian players. Then, after Godinez got fouled inside the box by 40-year-old Panamanian defender Manuel Torres, the referee signaled a penalty kick. Godinez failed to convert as his shot attempt hit the crossbar and left the game scoreless.
The result leaves Mexico with a sour taste in their mouth as they saw two additional valuable points slip their fingers. They’ll face Argentina on Thursday for their second group stage game in Lima.
