Pumas is on the brink of elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup after suffering a tough 4-1 loss to San Diego FC in the first leg of the series, played at Snapdragon Stadium. The university team was unable to hold on to its initial lead and ended up showing serious defensive problems, forcing it to look for a near-perfect comeback in Ciudad Universitaria.
The team coached by Efraín Juárez had been promising early on. In the 11th minute, Adalberto Carrasquilla broke down the right flank and sent a precise cross to Robert Morales, who scored with a spectacular bicycle kick into the lower right corner. A great goal that, as the match went on, remained an isolated postcard.
Pumas fell and San Diego took advantage of it
After the goal, Pumas lost control of the game.
San Diego FC began to impose conditions, accumulating arrivals to the rival area and reflecting its dominance in the numbers:
In the first 60 minutes they had already registered ten shots, against just one more from the universitarios after the opening goal.
The difference became evident in the second half.
Pumas dropped back and allowed the U.S. team to take control of the ball and the pace of the game.
The pressure paid off in the 68th minute, when Manu Duah tied the score from a corner kick, winning the ball over the top and leaving the Auriazul goalkeeper with no chance.
Far from reacting, Pumas became even more disorganized.
Wilson Eisner sent a cross to the far post that David Vázquez capitalized on with a header to make it 2-1.
The emotional blow was evident.
Minutes later, Vázquez once again prevailed in the air.
The goalkeeper was able to deny, but the rebound was set up for Alex Mighten, who pushed the ball in and extended the lead.
Defensive error sealed the victory
Pumas are on the brink of elimination
QuéOnnda.com
The rout was consummated in the final stretch.
San Diego FC struck again down the right flank and, after a low cross, a defensive error allowed Luca Bombino to score inside the box for the final 4-1.
The outlook is complex for Pumas.
Without the away goal criterion, in force in previous editions but eliminated from the current regulations, the university team needs to win by a three-goal difference.
In addition to not conceding a goal in the second leg at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario to force overtime and keep hope alive.
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