Game: Veracruz vs. Pumas UNAM
Date: Friday, October 28st
Time: 7:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 PM Central, 10:00 PM Eastern
Venue: Estadio Luis “Pirata” Fuente (Tijuana, BCN)
Television: Azteca America (United States); SKY Planeta Fútbol, Azteca 7, Sky HD (Mexico)
Streaming: http://www.aztecadeportes.com/liga-mx/
Pumas face their most important away game when they visit Veracruz on Friday. A week after losing their first game at home against Tigres, Pumas sit outside the qualification zone of the Liguilla for the first time in the season. While they have had a great winning record at home (winning all their games before their defeat to Tigres), they have yet to win outside CU. The game against Veracruz has become key for their Liguilla aspirations and it might also be beneficial as they go to play in the venue one of the worst teams of the season.
Pumas’ winning ways in CU came to a stop against Tigres on Sunday. The 3-1 loss was a tough defeat that had Pumas playing well but unable to overcome being a man down since the 10th minute of the game. Still, the defeat made Pumas have to really come to terms with their awful road record since, because of it, they have dropped to ninth with their first home defeat of the season.
While Pumas' record has been awful, they have the opportunity of facing one of the weakest teams this season in Veracruz. Veracruz, currently sitting at 17th and on their second coach of the season, come from their sixth straight loss, 3-2 to Necaxa. A similar situation, however, didn't help Pumas when they went to Torreon and lost to struggling Santos earlier in the season.
Veracruz is facing a similar important match, with their relegation troubles making every game important. They haven't improved since new coach Carlos Reinoso took over and it looks like they will struggle for what little is left of the season. Pumas is facing a golden opportunity to right their ship and to end their terrible away form. They need to take advantage as they will only have two more games to qualify to the Liguilla after Friday.