GUADALAJARA, Mexico – US international DaMarcus Beasley’s Puebla rescued a vital point on Sunday, scoring twice in second-half injury time away at Pumas UNAM to tie 2-2 in La Franja’s opening match of the Clausura 2014.
Beasley featured as a left wingback in the first half as Pumas largely dominated the game, but switched to left back in a back four in the second half as Puebla turned the match around and piled pressure on Pumas.
Beasley was perhaps beaten a little easily on the back post for Pumas’ second goal, but combined well down the left with substitute Alfonso Tamay after halftime.
The former Chicago Fire player’s best attacking involvement came in the 87th minute, when he was played through down the left to deliver a dangerous low cross into the box.
Beasley showed little sign of rustiness coming into the new season and his general play and passing was tidy.
Fellow American Michael Orozco Fiscal was left on the bench for Puebla, who could get sucked into the relegation race with a few early bad results this Clausura championship.
Also Sunday, Jonathan Bornstein didn’t make the match-day squad as Atlante drew 1-1 at home to León after failing to convert two penalties.
In the Ascenso MX, Jesus Padilla came on for the final 28 minutes of Ballenas Galeana’s 3-1 loss on the road to Cruz Azul Hidalgo.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
