Mexico

Puma Pride Prevails Over America

Pumas played for pride while America played for the Liguilla Pumas came out victorious in the end.

Nov 6, 2009 12:54:52 AM

Dario Veron y Dante Lopez- Pumas vs Puebla

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Dario Veron y Dante Lopez- Pumas vs Puebla

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Pumas said they were going to play with pride and give their fans a good show and they delivered on Thursday. The felines played to a dramatic 3-2 win against America. Pumas started the festivities in the 21st minute with a header by Dario Veron. Veron scored again in the dying minutes of the second half. Two goals fro Salvador Cabañas from set pieces pulled America even. Pumas were awarded a late penalty and that was enough for the felines victory.

Pumas get a good result at home to soften the blow of such a horrible season. America's problems continue in the dying end of the season.

First Half

Despite being out of the Liguilla, Pumas came out attacking at home. The felines were getting good looks but the final touch was just not there in the opening minutes.

America slowly emerged in the attack but were having the same problems as Pumas.

There were not shots on goal in the opening minutes but Pumas did open up the score in the 21st. Dario Veron sent the ball home off a well taken corner by Jehu Chiapas. Pumas took a 1-0 lead after proposing all game long.

America needed the win to qualify into the Liguilla but Pumas were playing for pride and they showed it.

Pumas had the second one in the 27th. Francisco Palencia carried the ball down the left side and swung it into the box. Jehu Chiapas made contact with the ball but the header was a weak one for Guillermo Ochoa controlled with ease.

Pumas was clearly the better team they controlled everything inside the pitch.

Pablo Barrera tried it from long distance in the 33rd. Barrera pulled back and shot a riffling shot towards goal. The shot only had power and no direction as Ochoa controlled the ball.

The end looked to end with America doing absolutely nothing, but it didn't.

America conceded their second goal in the 44th minute. De javu struck as Pumas scored off the same play with the same men. Chiapas delivered the corner and Veron headed it in. Pumas took a 2-0 lead into the half.

Second Half

Pumas once again came out firing on all cylinders for the second half.

Just three minutes form the restart Francisco Palencia was already after his goal. Palencia sent a scorching shot from the edge of the box but Ochoa kept it out with a tremendous save. Palencia tried once more in the 51st with a diving header but again Ochoa was there to make the save.

Although Pumas had control, America was able to pull one back in the 52nd. Pavel Pardo touched the ball for an indirect free kick and Salvador Cabañas finished it with a sizzling low shot.

Pumas came back in the 55th minute and almost made it three thanks to Dante Lopez. Lopez hit the ball towards goal but Ochoa just kept it out by sending it out.

Daniel Montenegro tried to tie things in the 64th. "Rolfi" tried it from outside the box. Sergio Bernal was able to stop the shot but conceded a corner in the process.

America was begining to knock on the door step more and more often.

Salvador Cabañas sent it through the door in the 79th minute to tie things up. Cabañas lined up to take a free kick and he drilled it putting the ball right in the angle where Bernal could never reach to it.

The game was drawing to a close but a penalty was called in favor of Pumas in the 90th minute. Juan Carlos Valenzuela was called for hand inside the box. Martin Bravo took the shot and nailed it giving Pumas a 3-2 lead and the win in the end.

Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican football, visit Goal.com's Mexico page.

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