UNAM Shy of 8th Place with 1-1 Tie Against Juárez

UNAM looked to add valuable points to sneak into the Leguilla. With a win they would have moved into the eighth position, going into the final match of the campaign. They faced a struggling FC Juárez who has nothing to lose, winning three out of the last four matches.

Los Universitarios dominated the game statistically, taking 23 shots versus 8 from Los Bravos. As the game progressed it was clear to see that Los Felinos had the upper hand by created opportunities and finding their shots. Unfortunately for Pumas, Juárez’s had lady luck on their side by rejecting every attack and having the ball bounce their way.

Pumas was able to break the defensive forcefield in the 33rd minute. Carlos González Espínola took a beautifully placed header from teammate Felipe Mora inside the penalty box for the early lead.

UNAM miss fortunes continued the rest of the competition. In the 58th minute, Víctor Malcorra missed a penitently shot. Pumas had few balls hit the crossbar negating future goals.

It looked like Puma’s minimal score was going to be enough for the win until Los Bravos found an opening and the equalizer. In the 65th minute, thanks to a counterattack, José Joaquín Esquivel found an opening and took a direct shot outside the large box.

Pumas could not break Juárez’s defensive forcefield, ending the match in a 1-1 tie. Pumas will have to wait until the final week of play to determine if they will play in the postseason.

Next match: Pumas – Sat., November 23rd against Pachuca. FC Juárez – Sun., November 24th against Tigres UANL.