Mexico, Ecuador play to 1-1 draw
29.05.11
The vuvuzela-playing fans started early and provided an ear-splitting soundtrack during Saturday's exhibition soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador.
The sound from the noisemakers made famous at the 2010 World Cup rose several decibels when Mexico scored early and appeared headed for a blowout. It was a promising start for El Tri and the pro-Mexico crowd of 50,305 fans who bathed in the afternoon sun at Qwest Field.
However, the good vibes subsided when Ecuador countered with a goal just before the break. Despite consistent offensive pressure, Mexico settled for a 1-1 draw that felt more like a defeat considering a 14-2 disparity in shots.
"When a team defends well, there is very little space and with that there were going to be few opportunities," said Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre. "We had to be more effective and we had to convert.
"We had a few of those opportunities, but could not convert them to goals."
Mexico took control early when Aldo de Nigris booted a corner kick from the left post toward the net. In the scramble, defender Jorge Torres Nilo used his left foot to deflect an assist from Hector Moreno past goalkeeper Maximo Banguera.
Source: The Seattle Times