Another disappointing performance by Cusco FC

Cusco FC - Alfonso Ugarte 2-2 (1-1)

F. Rodríguez 40', Montes 89' - Ross 31', Moreno 87'.

Saturday, 16 April 2022, 3 pm local time (8 pm UTC), Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium, Cusco, Peru, Peruvian Second Division (Liga 2), Apertura, round 3.

Cusco FC starting line-up against Alfonso Ugarte. Source: Cusco FC Facebook page

Cusco FC, although considered favorites for promotion to the Peruvian First Division, have started quite badly in the Second Division. After a defeat away at Unión Comercio, and a round in which they did not play, the third round provided a rather accessible opponent, the newly-promoted Alfonso Ugarte, which had an equally bad start, and, just like Cusco, have already sacked their manager. So, it was interesting to see a match between the two teams which sacked their managers after one or two rounds, Cusco FC and Alfonso Ugarte. Both had new managers, which led their teams for the first time: Pablo Peirano for Cusco FC and Édson López for Alfonso Ugarte.

The Cusco FC fans were more than eager to see their team live, after more than two years in which Cusco FC played (like all Peruvian teams) only in Lima and without an audience, during the pandemic. One should also note that even before the pandemic, in the beginning of 2020, Cusco FC played some of their home matches in Sicuani.

Cusco FC fans came in great numbers to see their favorites after more than 2 years of absence. Source: Cusco FC Facebook page

However, the Cusco FC fans were largely disappointed by the performance of their team. Cusco FC had indeed the overall control of the game, they had the ball, attacked quite constantly, but there were few really dangerous charges. Cusco FC players looked very confident that they will win the game no matter what, and were quite careless in many occasions, while the visitors gave the impression that they were on the field only to defend and nothing else.

The first 30 minutes passed without too many opportunities, although there were some good shots by Cusco FC players, and even one which hit the woodwork. Goalkeeper Araujo had an excellent day and saved many of the shots.

The shock came when Alfonso Ugarte launched their first real attack of the day. A cross by Iván Quispe from the right side was headed in by Junior Ross: 0-1 (31').

The goal gave Cusco FC the necessary wake-up call, and the home side began to charge more vigorously. However, the equalizer did not come after a collective action, but after an individual one, a remarkable long-range shot by Felipe Rodríguez: 1-1 (40'). Other shots were blocked by the visitors' defense, especially the goalkeeper.

Felipe Rodríguez and goalkeeper Alexander Araujo, two of the heroes of the game. Source: Cusco FC Facebook page

In the second half, surprisingly, Alfonso Ugarte started well, trying to move the game more into midfield, and not that close to their own goal. This only happened for about 10 minutes, then Cusco FC regained again the total control of the match, and most of the game was played inside the visitors' half. 

The introduction of Miguel Carranza, Alfredo Ramúa and Mauricio Montes improved the home side attacks, but Alfonso Ugarte resisted stubbornly, with most of the players in defensive positions. The referee was also not in the mood to award a penalty for Cusco FC, although there were several possible fouls in the box. 

The final minutes of the game proved to be essential for the outcome of the match. Although nobody believed this to be possible, the visitors hit again, out of nothing. One Cusco FC player lost the ball in his own half, Keyvin Paico quickly assisted Alessandro Moreno, whose long-range shot went into the back of the net to the astonishment of the crowd and of the goalkeeper Ferreyra: 1-2 (87').

Right after this, Miguel Carranza finally succeeded to overcome his opponent and provided an excellent cross from the right side to Mauricio Montes, who splendidly headed the ball in from the center of the box: 2-2 (89').

Miguel Carranza (left) assisted Mauricio Montes for the second Cusco FC goal. Source: Cusco FC Facebook page

The six minutes of stoppage time brought nothing on the scoresheet, so Cusco FC and Alfonso Ugarte drew 2-2 and are both in the lower part of the table, only Las Chankas are behind them, bottom of the table.

Cusco: Ferreyra - Iraola (Velásquez 46'), Minaya, Riojas, Corrales - Ayarza, Aucca - Ulloa (Carranza 46'), Abisab (Ramúa 62'), F. Rodríguez - Fajardo (Montes 75'). Manager: Pablo Peirano.

Alfonso Ugarte: Araujo - Quispe (Acasiete 75'), Cánova, Granda, Balbín, Barco - Ross (Moreno 66'), Paico, Ballón (Velarde 34'), F. Gómez (D. Gonzales 66') - Franco (Curiel 75'). Manager: Édson López.

Referee: Robin Segura.

Yellow cards: Minaya 53', Abisab 62', Velásquez 83' - Ballón 21', Velarde 62', Araujo 67', Barco 80', Moreno 88'.

In the next round, Cusco FC will play away at Sport Chavelines, while Alfonso Ugarte will receive a bye and will not play.