Cavalry FC Exits CONCACAF Champions Cup after Loss to Pumas On Aggregate

Summary:

• Cavalry FC exited the CONCACAF Champions Cup after a 2-0 loss to Pumas UNAM.
• The Canadians, who played with 10 men in the second half, lost 3-2 on aggregate despite holding a first-leg advantage.
• Despite the elimination, Cavalry made history by becoming the first CPL team to win a Champions Cup match.

Cavalry FC’s journey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup ended abruptly on Thursday after a 2-0 loss to Pumas UNAM. 

The Canadians held a 2-1 advantage from their first-leg victory last Thursday at Starlight Stadium thanks to Tobias Warschewski‘s 80th-minute decisive goal, which marked the first-ever victory from a Canadian Premier League (CPL) team in CONCACAF Champions Cup play. 

Unfortunately, the Cavalry were forced to bow out with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. 

In similar events, fellow CPL side Forge FC also exited earlier in the week after a 5-0 aggregate defeat to CF Monterrey. 

The Mexican club now awaits the winner between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Deportivo Saprissa.

Coach Wheeldon Jr.: “We Faced a Giant Tonight”

Substitute Guillermo Martinez proved decisive, scoring twice in the second half to push Pumas into the round of 16, where they will face Costa Rica’s LD Alajuelense.

Pumas controlled 77% of possession in the first half, outshooting Cavalry 14-0. However, their lack of clinical finishing frustrated the home crowd, who voiced their discontent at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

The deadlock finally broke in the 53rd minute when Martinez found space between two defenders and nodded in Ignacio Pussetto’s cross, putting Pumas ahead on aggregate. 

Cavalry’s challenge became even tougher when winger Jay Herdman was sent off in first-half stoppage time, forcing them to play the entire second half with ten men. 

Martinez then sealed the victory in the 74th minute, firing past goalkeeper Marco Carducci from distance.

“We faced a giant tonight and we were very close“, said Cavalry coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr., adding they gave “the very best” 

Controversial Moments

Cavalry had its share of controversial moments. Herdman’s red card came after VAR determined his challenge on Pablo Bennevendo warranted a penalty. 

Carducci, however, denied Pussetto from the spot. “Pumas had an extra man. Maybe two“, Wheeldon quipped.

Midfielder Charlie Trafford was initially sent off in the 15th minute for a tackle on Jose Caicedo, but after a review, the referee downgraded it to a yellow.

Cavalry pushed for an equalizer late on, introducing Caniggia Elva in the 66th minute. In stoppage time, Ali Musse had a close-range effort saved, and Carducci even ventured forward for a last-minute free kick, but to no avail.

Wheeldon Jr added

We gave it our very best and I can’t be more proud of the way our guys did, And we’re only five weeks into our pre-season.”

Now, Calvary’s shift will switch to the upcoming CPL season starting April 5.