Contributed by Steven Torres
Pumas Prevails In PKs Over NYCFC
Despite a weather delay of almost three hours and making its first appearance in New York City, Pumas UNAM prevailed 3:2 on penalty kicks after a 1:1 draw with hosts NYCFC (New York City FC) in opening round of Leagues Cup, tournament involving teams from MLS vs. Liga MX, on Saturday at Bronx’s Yankee Stadium.
Pumas advances to the tournament’s semifinals in September 14th or 15th and will meet Liga MX’s Club Leon, who eliminated Sports Kansas City earlier in the week by a score of 6:1.
NYCFC thought it opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a goal by midfielder Keaton Parks, however after VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review by the head official, Oshane Nation of Jamaica, it was overturned due to offside call by forward Valentin Castellanos.
NYCFC controlled the opening 45 minutes by outshooting Pumas five to one and forced the visiting goalkeeper Julio González to make two keys saves to keep in scoreless.
In the second half, home side once again though it broke the scoreless deadlock when midfielder Santiago Rodriguez scored in 50th minute, however after another VAR Review by Nation it was overturned due to hand ball by NYCFC.
NYCFC finally got on the board with a header by Castellanos off a corner kick by midfielder Maximiliano Moralez in the 61st minute.
However, Pumas battled back 11 minutes later got the equalizer thanks to forward Rogério off an assist from defender Allan Mozo.
The game went to penalties in which Pumas prevailed 3:2 after midfielder Sebastián Saucedo hit the winner.
Leagues Cup (MLS vs. Liga MX Tournament) – First Round
08.11.2021: Bronx, N.Y.; Yankee Stadium
NEW YORK CITY FC (USA) – PUMAS UNAM (MEX) 1:1 (0:0), 2:3 pen
Valentin CASTELLANOS 61’ – ROGÉRIO 72’
New York City FC: Sean Johnson – Nicolas Acevedo (82: Alfredo Morales), Alexander Callens, Valentin Castellanos, Tayvon Gray (89: Chris Gloster), Jesus Medina (82: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi), Maxi Moralez, Keaton Parks, Santiago Rodriguez (82: Thiago), James Sands, Gudmundur Thorarinsson. Booked: Castellanos 52’
Coach: Ronny DEILA
Pumas UNAM: Julio González - Allan Mozo, Ricardo Galindo, Efrain Velarde, Jeronimo Rodriguez (46: Sebastián Saucedo), Gerardo Moreno, Higor Meritao, Leonel Lopez, Favio Alvarez (69: Washington Corozo), Juan Dinenno (57: Rogério), Emanuel Montejano (46: Cristian Battocchio). Booked: Moreno 17’, Saucedo 70’
Coach: Andres LILLINI
R: Oshane NATION (JAM)
By Steven Torres