Pumas and Austin FC made their debut in the Leagues Cup and it was a crazy finish with an MLS team that played with one less player throughout the second half, and still managed to win after UNAM striker Guillermo Martnez had a chance to tie but missed from the penalty spot, in a 3-2 final score.
The first goal of the match came in the 8th minute and Austin FC was the team that took the lead on the scoreboard. Alex Ring made a cross shot from outside the area and scored 1-0.
Before the end of the first half, Austin FC made it 2-0 at 45′; Daniel Pereira stole the ball, drove down the wing and passed to Gyasi Zardes, who hit the ball against the post for the MLS team’s second goal.
But, Pumas reacted and at 45+4′, Csar Huerta sent a shot in the area and a pass went to Ali vila, who finished and made it 2-1. The play was reviewed in the VAR and the referee approved the UNAM team’s goal.
Nine minutes into the second half, Ring sent a cross to the area and without a mark, Sebastin Driussi finished for the Texan team’s third goal.
Pumas tried but they just couldn’t do it
Pumas continued the attack and in the 72nd minute, Duarte sent a high cross and with a header, Guillermo Martnez scored the second goal for the Liga MX club.
In the final moments, Huerta sent a cross, but received a stomp from Julio Cascante and the referee called a goal kick. Subsequently, the whistler reviewed the VAR and after seeing the screen, called a penalty in favor of the university team. From the eleven steps, ‘Memote’ Martnez had the opportunity to tie at three, but goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland saved.
Pumas’ next duel in the Leagues Cup will be on Saturday, August 3 against Rayados de Monterrey, while Austin takes a bye to analyze their next rival.