Interliga 2008: San Luis 2 - 0 Pumas

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In a dull game in Robertson Stadium, Houston the experience of San Luis was enough to see off the "Pumitas" who were out-thought and out-manoeuvred in midfield. The "Gladiadores" (Gladiators) took a two goal lead and then closed the game down, and the young "universitarios" were unable to create anything substantial to get back into the game. San Luis therefore advance to one of the finals, while Pumas have to beat Cruz Azul to progress.

Although the first half was a calm affair, this suited the "Potosinos" since Pumas were unable to play at the higher tempo they needed. Indeed once San Luis had gone ahead after eight minutes, there never really seemed any way back for Tuca's young team. A poor clearance by Carlos Humberto González fell to Tressor Moreno, and the Colombian surged into the area to put the ball low past Palacios.

San Luis were able to sit back with firm lines in defence and midfield, and although Pumas tried to put some pace on the game, they came up against a solid wall. Bonells found it difficult up front with little service.

Things became worse for Pumas with the second goal on 35 minutes. Mario Pérez got down the left for San Luis and all Alfredo Moreno had to do was push his excellent cross into the net. The "Potosinos" now just needed to kill the game.

After half time there was very little excitement, with San Luis content to play out the game and Pumas unable to offer much creativity. The only threatening situations came from dead-ball plays and couple of shots from Morales and Bonells were all the youngsters had to offer in a sleepy second half. In midfield Diego and Chiapas had insufficient ideas to break down a well-disciplined San Luis.

Pumas now have to win against Cruz Azul in a tricky final group game at the (yet again awfully named) Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Pumas: A.Palacios, Rosas (Morales), M.Palacios, González, Jaramillo, Cabrera, Chiapas, Diego, Iñiguez, Bonells (Rojas), Caprari (G.Espinoza)

Other News
Pumas defeated Pumas Morelos 2-0 in a friendly in CU with two second-half goals from Ignacio Scocco. They continue pre-season against Atlético Mexiquense in CU on Wednesday.

Interliga: Other Matches
In a poor game Cruz Azul gained their first win 1-0 over Monterrey who are now eliminated. The goal came from Edgar Andrade in the 16th minute.

In Group A América came from a goal behind to beat Toluca 2-1 and advance to the finals. Vicente Sánchez scored first for the Red Devils, while Argüello and new acquisition Richard Nuñez netted for the "Aguilas".

Atlas gave themselves a good qualifying chance with a 2-0 win over Morelia. Ex-Puma Bruno Marioni, forming a dangerous-looking partnership with new signing Paraguayan Jorge Achucarro, scored both goals.

Next Up
Cruz Azul at 10.15 on Tuesday night.