Toluca closes in on mark held by Chivas and America

• by Soccer America , Dec 15, 2008

Despite losing at home, 2-0, in the second leg of the Torneo Apertura final, Toluca won Mexico's opening championship when it prevailed 7-6, over Cruz Azul on penalty kicks.

Toluca looked to be in the driver's seat after winning the first leg, 2-0, on Wednesday in Mexico City, but it fell on goals by Alejandro Vela and Julio Cesar Dominguez in the second half. The Cementeros had to play the last quarter of an hour with 10 men after it had used all three subs and Cesar Villaluz went off injured.

In the seventh round of the shootout, Toluca's Miguel Almazan hit the crossbar with his shot, but it ricocheted off Cruz Azul goalie Yosgart Gutierrez and went into the goal. Vela  then saw his penalty saved by Hernan Cristante then saved Vela's shot to give Toluca its ninth Mexican championship.

The Red Devils rank behind only Guadalajara (11 titles) and Club America (10).