2005 CONCACAF Champions Cup
Honours even as UNAM hold DC in RFK thriller
Scorer Christian Gomez of DC United fights for the ball in a tense match against Pumas

AFP

(FIFA.com) 07 Apr 2005

UNAM Pumas of Mexico City notched a hard-earned 1-1 draw with MLS Champions DC United on 6 April in the first leg of their 2005 CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final series. Pumas' Brazilian dynamo Ailton da Silva's second half spot kick at RFK Stadium in Washington DC levelled Christian Gomez's classy opener to set up a mouth-watering rematch in Mexico City.

Honours even as UNAM hold DC in RFK thriller
In this feature
Heady days and hard times for dynastic D.C.
UNAM Pumas in search of glory
DC United - Did you know?
UNAM Pumas - Did you know?

In the grand tradition of the trans-Rio Grande rivalry, the encounter got off to a hot start. When Ismael Iniguez - in for injured argentine striker Bruno Marioni - set out on a roaring run straight from the kick-off, it was clear that the match was going to be played at a torrid pace. A searing shot from UNAM's impressive Brazilian Ailton forced United keeper Nick Rimando into a nervy save with only 15 seconds gone. Not having played at the weekend, after their match with Santos Laguna was called on account of the passing of Pope John Paul II, the Mexican side looked well rested and full of energy early.

In addition to the missing Marioni, El Tri international Jaime Lozano - who has 10 goals so far in 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ qualifying - was also on the bench. But even without their two most dangerous attacking threats, UNAM held sway in the early going.

But it was DC that opened the scoring against the run of play on a snappy counterattack in the 10th minute. Pumas, loaded to the hilt with renowned talent from South America, could only watch as United's own South American tandem carved out the opener. After some delicate work down the left flank, former Bolivian international Jaime Moreno picked out Christian Gomez with an inch-perfect cross. The Argentine creator made no mistake as he nodded home from six yards.

The affair quickly picked up an end-to-end rhythm; with both sides keen to go directly at the opponent in keeping with the derby-day feel. United boss and former Poland captain, Peter Nowak, was on his feet throughout the first period, barking orders to his charges and seemingly sweating just as hard.

Despite several chances, usually the result of the delightful distribution of Leandro Augosto, Pumas were unable to unlock DC's defence as the first half ground to a halt. Ironically enough, the hosts' big concern before the match was the strength of their rearguard. Pumas midfielder Pineda went so far as to say, "though they (United) attack well, their defending is lacklustre."

With no changes for either side at the half, Pumas boss Hugo Sanchez emerged from the tunnel for the second period having shed the jacket and tie he opted for at the start. With his side in 15th place in the overall standings back home, perhaps the heat had begun to get to the man roundly considered Mexico's best-ever player. 'Hugol' knows the CONCACAF Champions Cup may well represent the two-time defending Mexican champions' only hope for silverware in '05.

The team responded to their boss's roll-up-the-sleeves appeal with an early equaliser just five minutes after the break. Though the hero in the first half, Moreno clumsily charged down Pineda inside the box, leaving Canadian referee Mauricio Navarro no choice but to point to the spot.

Ailton stepped up to do the honours, and in true Samba fashion had Rimando all at sea before cheekily tapping home.

Both sides could have won it at the death. Most notably, 15-year-old substitute Freddy Adu, teased his marker before seeing his close-range shot well saved by Sergio Bernal deep into stoppage time.

Though away goals do not count double in case of a tie, as they do in the UEFA Champions League, the result will surely have the Mexico City side smiling wide as they head for home.

The next leg takes place on 13 April at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The winner will go on to meet either Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica or Mexican side CD Monterrey in the final series.

The possibility of a mouth-watering all-Mexican final will surely be on Sanchez's mind in the coming days. But first, he will need to find out if his Pumas are hungry enough to see off United in what is bound to be a high-octane rematch.