GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Michael Orozco’s Puebla came within touching distance of winning the Copa MX on Tuesday evening in an epic final, but lost to Santos Laguna 4-2 on penalties.
Orozco played the full match in Estadio Corona as Puebla came from behind twice with 10 players to rescue a 2-2 draw, with Luis Noriega tying the game in the 90th minute.
The US international played the first half in an experimental defensive midfield position, dropping back into defense when required, but could do little as Djaniny Tavares burst back in the 33rd and struck the post with a shot from inside the area.
In the second half, Orozco moved back into his more customary center back spot, playing well as Puebla began to cause Los Guerreros fits at the other end of the pitch.
Orozco had a headed chance in the 85th and was in place in front of Santos ‘keeper Julio González, helping provoke a weak punch to gift Noriega the leveler that took the game to penalties.
