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‘Tecatito’ helps El Tri salvage point on road in Panama

By Thomas Buckley

Jesús Corona (#17) watches as his 76th-minute shot finds its way into the net. El Tri escaped Panama City with a hard-earned draw. (Photo by ROGELIO FIGUEROA/AFP via Getty Images)
Jesús Corona (#17) watches as his 76th-minute shot finds its way into the net. El Tri escaped Panama City with a hard-earned draw. (Photo by ROGELIO FIGUEROA/AFP via Getty Images) /
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El Tri Panama report
Mexico’s Luis Romo (center) patrolled midfield with aplomb, helping El Tri exert control over the game in the second half. (Photo by Eliecer Aizprua Banfield/Getty Images) /

Romo makes a statement, subs contribute mightily

Midfield

Luis Romo – 7

Except for two poor passes (one of which he cleaned up himself), Romo stood tall in midfield. He filled in exceptionally well for the suspended Edson Álvarez, while contributing more on offense than Edson usually does.

Jonathan dos Santos – 4.5

Not much to say as Jona didn’t do much in his 45 minutes on the field. Didn’t make mistakes, but didn’t step up and assert himself either.

Carlos Rodríguez – 6

Charlie had some impressive plays on both sides of the ball in his 45-minute appearance. Somewhat of a surprise that he was subbed out at the half.

Forwards

Orbelín Pineda – 5

A sub-par showing from the Cruz Azul man. Dispossessed too often when he should have kept the ball moving and failed to create space. His track-back defense was so-so.

Rogelio Funes Mori – 4

At least this game, “El Mellizo” did not flub a clear chance at goal. He contributed little. Should’ve been given the night off.

Jesús Corona – 6

His goal erased a lot of miscues; poor execution halted some promising moves and he had too many unforced turnovers. “Tecatito” is not in game shape and it showed. Still, his 24-meter rocket in minute 21 came close. He also zipped a curler just wide in minute 64. But it was his man who overlapped into the box before sending the low cross that produced Panama’s goal.

Substitutes

Henry Martín – 7

The Aguilas goleador was pesky when pressing Panama defenders, effective on hold-up play and had bids for two assists.

Sebastián Córdova – 7

América’s No. 10 made his presence known with some nice passing and clever movement. Got off two dangerous shots.

Andrés Guardado – 6.5

Eventually he displayed the usual steadfastness that has made him a mainstay in the El Tri midfield, but a few early missed passes hurt.

Uriel Antuna – 6

Had only 30 minutes to contribute, but did what he was supposed to do – run the flank, find space and feed runners inside.

Rodolfo Pizarro – N/A

Only got 6 minutes. Did miss out on a chance to be a hero when he failed to control a pass that might have sprung him into the box.

Next. Liga MX Odds & Ends. dark

El Tri will return to training camp in early October ahead of its next round of qualifying games, another three-games-in-seven-days gauntlet from Oct. 7-13.

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