Toluca and Monterrey are continuing their reigns at the top of the Mexican First Division. While the Diablos Rojos beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in a great game at Azul Stadium, the Rayados put an end to Puebla's unbeaten streak thanks to a 2-1 win at Tecnologico Stadium.
Toluca had an important test against Cruz Azul, who had been climbing the standings. Jaime Lozano of the "Blues" opened the scoring early (13'), but the reaction was fierce from the "Red Devils." Chilean Hector Mancilla tied the game at 1-1 (37') and Edgar Dueñas, who made a mistake on the first Cruz Azul goal, corrected his mistake and put Toluca ahead 2-1 with a sensational shot (60').
Only Monterrey is trying to tread the heels of Toluca. Puebla, who had been the only unbeaten team at Apertura 2009, lost 2-1 to the Rayados. Luis Ernesto Perez (27') and Roberto Juarez (own goal, 58') gave Victor Manuel Vucetich's squad the advantage.
However, Uruguayan Andres Olivera put the ball in Monterrey's net (75') for the final 2-1 tally. Referee Ricardo Arellano denied Puebla of a goal that would have knotted the game. Carlos "Pescadito" Ruiz had the opportunity to make the final 2-2, but the destiny did not work out for the former MLS player.
Morelia, the best third at League table, pulverized Queretaro, 5-0. Still the worst team in Apertura, Queretaro surely will be back in the Second Division next year if the Gallos Blancos do not make substantial changes in their organization.
Luis Gabriel Rey, from Colombia, made a "hat trick" (8', 55' and 85'); Argentinean Mauricio Romero (76') and Elias Hernandez (79') also collaborated for the crushing score.
Santos Laguna also overwhelmed their rival. Pachuca suffered a 4-0 defeat against the "Warriors" at Corona Stadium. Walter Jimenez (4' and 53'), Matias Vuoso (78'), who made his second goal in a year, and Juan Pablo Rodriguez (87') all found the net in the fourth straight win for Coahuila's team.
Pumas and Chivas tied 1-1 in one of the most interesting games of Week 10. However, the people who watched the match left Olympic CU Stadium very upset, because there were a lot of failures by the forwards from both teams.
UNAM opened the scoring with a Jehu Chiapas goal (6'), but Dante Lopez, Martin Bravo, Israel Castro and Francisco Palencia, formerly of Chivas USA, could give more happiness to their fans. Javier Hernandez diverted the ball to Pumas goalkeeper Sergio Bernal from a Xavi Baez shot and put the final 1-1.
In other meetings, Indios lost at home, 2-1, versus Estudiantes, Atlas beat Tigres 2-1, America beat Atlante 1-0 and Jaguares remembered how to win and smashed San Luis, 3-0.
Abel Reyes Díaz is a contributor to GlobalSoccerCenter.com.
