GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Herculez Gomez made an eventful debut for Estudiantes Tecos as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home against Toluca on Friday night in the Mexican Apertura 2011 opener.
After falling behind 2-0 within the first 10 minutes, Tecos launched a second-half revival with Gomez smashing a long-distance effort against the Toluca upright in the 52nd minute.
“It’s what I’m known for: my work-rate and ability to strike a ball, so I’m disappointed it didn’t go in,” Gomez told MLSsoccer.com after the game.
The US national-teamer then put the ball in the back of the net with a header from a free-kick by the corner spot. Celebrations began but the referee disallowed what looked like a good goal.
“I’m still not sure why,” lamented the World Cup veteran.
Tecos managed to pull one back in the 65th minute through former Chivas USA striker Eduardo Lillingston, but it wasn’t enough. Lacking cohesiveness in the first half, Gomez said he was disappointed Tecos didn’t get at least a point from the game but believes the team can take heart from their strong showing after the break.
“I thought we were going to get more out of it,” he said. “If we play like we did in the last 40 minutes, we can have a lot of hope this season.”
Tom Marshall can be reached at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com or via Twitter: @mexicoworldcup
