Strong Effort Not Enough For San Luis' Luna

Simply playing Toluca strong was not enough for Braulio Luna to feel good about San Luis' playoff exit.

Nov 29, 2009 9:48:18 PM

More On :  San Luis
Braulio Luna- San Luis (Mexsport)
San Luis were not expected to do much in the quarterfinal round of the Liguilla. After having struggled to simply reach the playoffs, San Luis were faced with the tall task of trying to beat out superlider Toluca in the opening round.

That San Luis pushed Toluca to the brink of elimination did not leave Braulio Luna satisfied.
Don't Miss

"My feeling is that of bitterness," the San Luis midfielder told reporters after Sunday's match. "We didn't just want to be worthy rivals and fall with our heads held high. We wanted to win."

San Luis sneaked into the playoffs despite finishing in 11th place in the overall table. By virtue of being the second-place team in Group 1, though, their standing in the overall table ultimately mattered little.

San Luis pulled off a stunning victory over Toluca in the opening match a week ago, winning 1-0 in Estadio Alfonso Lastras. And for 76 minutes, San Luis held Toluca on Sunday.

But Hector Raul Mancilla broke San Luis' backs in the 77th minute with the series-clinching goal.

Luna lamented their inability to find the back of the net.

"We came to play a strong game and I believe we did but we did not have much luck," Luna said. "We had plenty of chances on goal but did not take advantage of them."


Still, San Luis nearly stunned Toluca once more. Victor Hugo Lojero hit the post in second-half stoppage time and nearly gave San Luis the aggregate lead.

Even chalking up the result as misfortune was not enough for Luna to feel positive about the result.

"The game left a bad taste in our mouths because we played a good game and went for the win," Luna said. "There was a problem with finishing of course but also with luck. You could see it both ways but I am departing with bitterness."

Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican league playoffs, visit Goal.com's Mexico page.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI

    Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine

  2. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  3. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  4. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  5. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.