The News
Friday 29 of March 2024

Pumas Miss Libertadores Semis After Failing on Penalties


After UNAM Pumas won 2-1 in regular time (global 3-3) the series went to Independiente del Valle of Ecuador in second leg of quarterfinals,photo: Notimex/José Pazos
After UNAM Pumas won 2-1 in regular time (global 3-3) the series went to Independiente del Valle of Ecuador in second leg of quarterfinals,photo: Notimex/José Pazos
UNAM ties the Ecuadorians in regular time, but cannot convert from the spot

A dramatic series of penalty shots determined a Independiente del Valle win over the UNAM Pumas 5-3, after regulation time ended with a 2-1 home win for the Pumas at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. But at 3-3 overall, the advance to the semifinal round of the Copa Libertadores de América went to penalties.

The regulation goals for the Mexican side were the work of Argentine Ismael Sosa, at the 14 and 16 minute marks. While Junior Sornoza forced the the equalizer for the Ecuadorian team at 66 minutes.

UNAM fought off Independiente in regular time, but could not convert in the end. Photo: Notimex/José Pazos
UNAM fought off Independiente in regular time, but could not convert in the end. Photo: Notimex/José Pazos

These goals for the Pumas were necessary to bring them back from a deficit suffered in the previous match at the home field of Independiente.

With the aggregate score tied at 3-3 and seeking that winning goal, the UNAM went with all in the front and although they had an extra man up the field, were unable to get a goal, thus forcing the penalty shootout.

Gabriel Cortés, Emiliano Tellechea, Julio Angulo, Luis Caicedo and Arturo Mina converted from the spot for the Ecuadorian cause, while Ismael Sosa went from hero to goat when failing to convert for the Mexican side. Eduardo Herrera, Daniel Ludueña and Hibert Ruiz managed to score for the Pumas.