Pumas overcome early red card to draw 1-1 vs. Liga MX leaders Monterrey

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:25 am
Iturbe's score gave shorthanded Pumas a point over Monterrey in Sunday's early Liga MX game.
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Monterrey striker and captain Dorlan Pabon scored a thumping free kick through the wall following a controversial red card, though Juan Iturbe's dramatic 83rd minute finish helped 10-man Pumas hold the league leaders to a 1-1 draw in front of 17, 825 at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City.

The match started slowly, with Pumas having the bulk of possession but being unable to capitalize. However, the game changed in the 25th minute when defender Luis Quintana fouled Rogelio Funes Mori just outside the box, earning a red card and putting Pumas at a man disadvantage. Pabon took advantage of the short free-kick, smashing a rocket beyond goalkeeper Alfredo Saldivar.

It was enough to keep Monterrey 1-0 up at half-time but the leaders were unable to push on and make the most of their one-man edge. Their next real attack came in the 75th minute, with Funes Mori denied by Saldivar from point-blank range.

Ultimately, Monterrey paid for their lack of attacks and gave struggling Pumas, and new manager Bruno Marioni, a precious point. Following a scramble in the box, Iturbe popped up and his shot took a big deflection on its way past Marcelo Barovero in the Monterrey net.

Despite the disappointing result, Monterrey stays at the top of the league with 11 points while Pumas remain 16th, two points off the bottom. Next up for Monterrey is a home date with Lobos BUAP while Pumas travel to last-place Queretaro.