Liga MX Playoffs: Pumas severely beaten, Rayados find no victory

Liga MX Playoffs take off:

Liga MX playoffs began on May 2nd with two games: CF America vs. Pumas, Monterrey vs. Tijuana. The month of May is always exciting in the soccer world.  UEFA, Europa, and league trophies happen in succession this month.  Liverpool is in the Champions League final, then there’s a World Cup, and between those spaces there the Liga MX playoffs.  Hint: Liguilla (leegheeya) is playoffs but in Spanish; use this knowledge when talking to  Mexican girls.

The Liga MX playoffs began last night and it’s a travesty it wasn’t on a Tuesday.  To open up the tournament it was CF America vs Pumas and Tijuana vs Monterrey.  Remember that the second leg to these matches are on May 5th.

CF America vs Pumas:

Any game with CF America is a must watch.  The Pumas were soundly beaten but managed to sucker-punch America behind the head when they turned around via penalty.  Penalties were the topic of the night as there were 3 of them in the game.  CF America got 2 in their favor while Pumas got 1 (their only goal).  Whenever there’s a game with a high score, notice how the goalie has to hug himself to celebrate.  Such a crucial position can be lonely.

Cinco De Mayo will bring out the mettle in both teams, yet the bigger load will on the Pumas.  They received a lashing by a visitor in their own home.  Now they travel to America’s land to attempt a daunting comeback.  It can be done, especially in Liga MX.

Here’s the shot of the night:

Monterrey vs Tijuana:

The game didn’t end with a winner, but it did come with a couple of extremely pleasing goals.  The Liga MX playoff was right and wrong physics as balls whizzed by posts, mere inches from the spot.  It was all drama but the fact that it ended in a tie makes it a good appetizer for this Saturday’s game.

A tie in the second game will bring out the penalty shootout.  Someone will have to fold.