Pumas shock Revolution, will meet Cruz Azul in semis

Liga MX is guaranteed at least one finalist in the Concacaf Champions League after the Pumas pulled off a miracle comeback, setting up a semifinal clash with crosstown rivals Cruz Azul.

UNAM overcame a three-goal, first-leg deficit and knocked out the New England Revolution in a penalty kick shoot-out in Mexico City. Earlier Wednesday, Cruz Azul held off a late CF Montreal push to advance to the Concacaf Champions League semifinals.

NYCFC is also in the Concachampions semifinals after getting past Guatemala’s Comunicaciones on the away goals rule (a 3-1 win at home last week and Tuesday’s 4-2 loss in Guatemala City produced a 5-5 aggregate draw).

León hosts Seattle Sounders Thursday night looking to replicate the Pumas stunning victory as the Esmeraldas are down 3-0 after getting routed last week in the first leg.

Pumas 3, New England Revolution 0

UNAM pressed forward steadily from the opening whistle with right back Alan Mozo a constant threat down the wing, sending a steady supply of crosses into the box.

New England goalie Earl Edwards was under siege from the outset but he seemed poised to thwart the Pumas’ bid for an upset, making eight saves on the night.

Juan Ignacio Dinenno started the comeback in minute 33, converting a low cross from Rogerio. The two strikers combined for UNAM’s second in minute 49, Dinenno’s brace sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

When Sebastián Saucedo fired home from close range just before the hour mark, the Pumas appeared ready to win the game in regulation. Instead, misdirected passes and mishit shots followed as Pumas coach Andrés Lillini’s substitutions did not respond.

Pumas goalie Alfredo Talavera was forced to make a couple saves down the stretch to set up the shoot-out. The veteran keeper denied Thomas McNamara and Revs forward Sebastian Lletget skied his attempt, while Efraín Velarde was the lone Pumas player to miss his spot kick. Dinenno converted the winner to complete the thrilling resurgence.

CF Montreal 1, Cruz Azul 1

With a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Estadio Azteca, “La Máquina” looked to attack off the counter, pressing Montreal wide and preventing the MLS side from getting any good looks at goal.

Uriel Antuna made up for an early miss on a breakaway by firing home a volley just before halftime, finishing off a quick Cementeros transition started by a Juan Escobar steal. Angel Romero was the provider, sending a lovely cross over the defense where Antuna had a clean run at it.

Not only did Cruz Azul have a two-goal lead, but the away goal meant Montreal had to score three times to advance.

Juan Reynoso’s men kept their opponent at bay through 70 minutes but then started to cede ground and drop their intensity, allowing the bigger Canadian team chances on set pieces. It finally burned them in minute 79.

Cruz Azul cleared a corner kick resulting in another corner kick for Montreal. While the Cementeros were strolling around getting into position, Joaquin Torres took the kick and Rudy Camacho barreled down the middle of the box for a free header.

The game got testy after that as Montreal scrambled to narrow the gap while Cruz Azul perfected its time-wasting techniques with some exaggerated gamesmanship.

The Cementeros and Pumas will meet in in a two-legged ConcaChampions semifinals in early April.