Pumas wins it in the last minute against Toluca
After a terrible start of the tournament, Toluca was in desperate need of points while in front of them Pumas wanted to keep the three points at home after not being able to win in the past two matches. Both teams have disappointed their fans by not meeting their expectations. The tournament is reaching the middle point and if these teams don’t pick up their slack they’ll be watching the Liguilla from home.
The match began with dull soccer and a disorganized game from both teams. Los Chorizeros only had one shot in the first forty-five minutes. That shot hit the post thanks to Alfredo Saldivar’s block. UNAM’s defense was solid, which throughout the first half transmitted positivity to their team. Pumas grew towards the 30th minute and started having more possession. The home team was close to scoring the first goal with a shot from Victor Malcorra and a few headers from Carlos Gonzales, but Alfredo Talavera kept the 0-0 tie. Unfortunately for los felinos, the goal never came and the half finished just when their rhythm was peaking. The fans could only hope they returned from half time with the same intensity they had towards the end of the first forty-five minutes.
The Universitarios began the second half just like they finished the first. They began attacking, creating clear opportunities and their efforts were rewarded soon after in the 56th minute with a great play by Carlos Gonzales who found himself alone in front of the goal. There wasn’t much Alfredo Talavera could do to stop Gonzales’ powerful right footed shot. It was clear to Michel that his team needed to keep attacking and looking for the second goal rather than drop back and take care of the 1-0 lead. A hurt Toluca did not seem capable of equalizing the game showing inaccurate passes and horrible crosses. UNAM had a few more opportunities that they weren’t able to capitalize which still gave the away teams hopes of being able to tie the game. When it seemed like Pumas would take the victory and they were playing the overtime, Toluca sent a cross to Alfredo Saldivar’s area finding Emmanuel Gigliotti’s head, sending it inside the net at the 92nd minute. The home team’s supporters were furious but lucky for them, youngster Bryan Mendoza appeared with a header one minute after sending the ball past Alfredo Talavera.
Pumas was able to rescue the game after a surprising equalizer from Toluca. The next matches will not be easy for either of them, with UNAM visiting America and Los Diablos hosting Morelia, who has finally started to show great soccer.
