GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Making the Liga MX playoffs is still a possibility for Puebla and American duo DaMarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco Fiscal after Saturday’s 1-1 draw in the Estadio Azteca against Club América.
The result means La Franja are still within three points of the top eight positions, with four rounds of games left in the Liga MX regular season.
Orozco Fiscal went the full 90 minutes at right back and was key in setting up Puebla’s goal. He played the pass that sent right-winger Alberto Medina free to cross in for Félix Borja to head in.
Beasley (above) was spritely on the left wing and there was evident friction between him and Mexico and America center back Francisco “Maza” Rodríguez, who was booked in the 24th for a late tackle on the former MLS star. Beasley was brought off in the 75th minute with the score at 1-1.
In Tijuana on Saturday, Herculez Gomez’s Santos Laguna drew 0-0 with Xolos and continue to impress and forward their title credentials. Gomez played up front with Oribe Peralta absent and was brought off in the 56th after a quiet game.
Santos have now lost only once in their last 10 games and have the joint best defense in the league, conceding only nine goals in 13 games.
READ: Howard, Dempsey clash; Cherundolo returns from injury
For Xolos, Edgar Castillo went the full game at left back, while Joe Corona played for 78 minutes. Tijuana controlled most the game, without creating as many opportunities as they would’ve liked.
Tigres UANL and Jose Torres could also only manage a scoreless home draw Saturday, with León frustrating the league leaders. Torres completed the 90 minutes in midfield for the first time since he joined the Monterrey club.
Down in the Ascenso MX, Sonny Guadarrama played 90 minutes in Mérida’s 2-1 loss to Cruz Azul Hidalgo on Saturday.
Also Saturday, Marco Vidal’s Lobos BUAP fell 2-0 at Pumas Morelos.
In Costa Rica, Moises Hernandez started Saprissa’s 3-1 victory at Cartaginés.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
