Game 11: Pumas 1 - 1 América

Video here.

Pumas and América shared the spoils in an even match in CU. Neither side could gain control of the game, Pumas had more possession, América more speed, but both sides lacked precision and it was a fair result. This leaves Pumas 2nd in group 2, while América languish at the bottom of the same group.

Pumas started with a standard eleven, Palencia getting the nod over Cacho, with Toledo and Chiapas preferred in midfield to Diego and Íñiguez. América's foreign contingent of Insúa, Moreno and Cabañas also started.

The game was a sell-out and there was a good atmosphere inside the stadium although the club's advice to get there early was maybe counter-productive as with so many people hanging around outside there were bound to be one or two differences of opinion, and some arrests were made.

Despite all the support and anticipation, the first half lacked spark. América were happy to sit back as Pumas domintated possession, yet there were very few chances and little goalmouth action. Nevertheless the "Águilas" went ahead early through an Argüello free kick on the right. Floating it in the Pumas defence was flat-footed and Bernal stuck to his line, and the ball brushed Moreno's hair and ended up in the net. With such an early lead, América clearly did not have to take any chances, and in front of their home support it was up to Pumas to chase the game.

The dangerous Cabañas received very little ball during the first half, and América looked unlikely to increase their lead, while Pumas over-elaborated and had to rely on shots from distance by Castro and López which caused Ochoa no problems. Chiapas meanwhile was precise and neat but lacked dynamism and it was no surprise when he made way at half time for Íñiguez. Toledo and Morales had looked lively but their crosses continued to be wayward, and after the change Toledo dropped back into the centre.

After half time the match had just about settled into the same pattern when Pumas equalised. From an América corner, Bernal released the ball quickly to Palencia who fed Dante López. The Paraguayan moved up towards the edge of the box and pushed the ball into the path of Morales who hit a precise left-footer from the edge of the area into Ochoa's bottom left-hand corner. It was a nice strike, and an example of counter-attacking that Pumas should observe for the future.

The goal opened the game up, and gaps began to appear for both teams. Castro went close after a one-two with Palencia, and Moreno put a header over the top at the other end. The battle in the middle was also hotting up, and Cacho took over from Palencia for Pumas while Esqueda came on for Alfredo Moreno for the visitors.

As the game neared its close both sides had opportunities to grab the three points, but Bernal and particularly Ochoa came to the rescue, while some chances were spurned through poor finishing. The América goalkeeper pushed away a strange Carlos Humberto González effort at full stretch, and also reacted well to stop a Dante López shot after he had made himself space down the right. At the other end Esqueda put a good chance over the top, and in a similar situation on full time Bernal closed the angle well and was able to knock the ball away.

As the final whistle went, Pumas still had yet to win over América in Ferretti's reign, and have not beaten the team from Coapa in CU since their 4-3 win in August 2003.

Goals
Alfredo Moreno (8 minutes) 1-0
Fernando Morales (49) 1-1

Cards
Pumas: yellow: Juárez, López
América: yellow: Vera, Silva, Villa, Castro

Player Ratings
Bernal 6 - may have been at fault on the goal, but it was his quick thinking that set up the equaliser, and made a good save at the end
Velarde 6 - very solid and gave Morales good support
González 6 - his best game for a while
Verón 7 - always in control
Juárez 6 - looks more comfortable, but why does he get booked so often?
Castro 6 - worked hard but lacks Leandro's organisational abilities
Chiapas 5 - looked neat but lacked dynamism
Morales 6 - nicely taken goal but his crossing was off target
Toledo 7 - played his best since returning from Atlante, and not out of place in the middle either
López 7 - tireless in his running and unlucky not to score in the second half
Palencia 6 - lots of good link work, but again looked unlikely to score
Íñiguez 5 - does not look back to full fitness, although his pace caused the odd problem
Cacho 5 - still to find his form after the false dawn of his hatrick
Diego - only on for ten minutes

Tuca 6 - I like the fact he has been consistent with selection and now he just needs to add a little more dynamism to the attack. Pumas haven't played badly and yet have only gained one point out of 9.

Elsewhere in Mexico
Tecos moved to the top of what is becoming a tough Group 2, defeating Atlas 3-1 in Guadalajara, Atlas’s second consecutive defeat in the city. Ex-Puma Jaime Lozano missed a penalty for Cruz Azul at Toluca but an own goal by Mario Méndez saved his blushes as the score finished 1-1.

Brazilian Itamar Batista was once again the star as he scored one and gave a scoring pass for Jaguares in their 2-1 victory in Monterrey, who dominated the game but failed to take their opportunities. Chivas threw away a 2-0 lead as Tigres grabbed two in two minutes to take a point in the estadio Jalisco, and leave Chivas second bottom in group 2.

Indios de Ciudad Juárez took a two-goal lead after four minutes against San Luis but the leaders stormed back to win 3-2, including a brace from Alfredo González. Necaxa are at the foot of the general table after playing well, but drawing 1-1 at home to Pachuca. Christian Correa took the lead for Pachuca on the hour, but 7 minutes later “El Grillo” (the cricket) Biscayzacú got the equaliser.

Maldonado and Muñoz got the goals as Atlante confirmed themselves in second place in the overall table with a 2-0 win at Puebla. Meanwhile, despite a lack of possession, champions Santos overcame Morelia by a single goal, a fine effort by Christián Benítez being the difference.

Pumas Morelos defeated Lobos BUAP 3-0 in the Estadio Centenario in Cuernavaca, with goals from Pablo Bonells, Salvador Medina and Eduardo Herrera. Incidentally nine of the starting eleven have played for the Pumas first team.

Next Up
Pumas wait until Thursday before facing Luis Ángel Firpo in El Salvador in the CONCACAF Chamions League. Cruz Azul host Marathón of Honduras, Santos entertain the Puerto Rico Islanders and Atlante travel to Olimpia.