Javier Cortes scored the first team goal of the season (their only other goal was an own goal from Chivas) and Pumas squeaked by 1-0 for their second victory of the year.
Pumas dominated all game but Leon had the best chances, with a missed penalty kick and a wide open goal that Mauro Boselli missed. Pumas deserved the win and once again, Alejandro Palacios proved that he has been the best goalkeeper of the league with a penalty save and some other good saves.
New Pumas coach Francisco Palencia has struggled to get his team to play the way he wants to and today that continued. Pumas had control of the game but didn't create much at all. The frustration showed especially when Eduardo Herrera and Palencia visibly argued. Things got even worse when on Leon’s first chance of the game, Dario Veron got a penalty call. Palacios, however, came up big and stopped German Cano's kick.
The second half started more promising with Matias Britos hitting the post but soon turned into more of the same: Pumas having the ball but not creating anything. Leon then had the best chance of the day when Hernan Burbano crossed to Mauro Boselli, who had a wide open chance but flailed on it. The routine continued until finally Javier Cortes combined with Fidel Martinez on a great play and shot from near range for the 1-0.
Next week will have Pumas traveling to Aguascalientes to face Necaxa, while Leon will have a tough game at home when they receive Monterrey. In between Pumas will start their CONCACAF campaign in Trinidad and Tobago against W Connection (a visit in which coach Palencia once famously scored a last minute goal to earn Pumas a draw).