America de Cali downs Atletico Nacional by penalty kicks in pre-season friendly.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 20, 2018) After battling for 90-plus minutes in regulation and the score at one-all, America de Cali downed Atletico Nacional, five penalty kicks to four to take the Clasico Colombiano at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. The pre-season match was the kickoff event for Columbia Fest Houston.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

The match saw spirited play, and the 7,000-plus spectators in attendance were not disappointed in both teams play. The first half was a give-and-take affair, which much back-and-forth action. The view of the fans in the seats was very involved for the Columbia soccer fans. Despite a lack of scoring in the first 45-plus minutes, both teams remained focus going into the locker room at half.

In the second half, the ball finally found the back of the net when Cristian Dajone, who entered the game in the second half, knocked the ball past goalkeeper Cristian Vargas in the 56th minute for the first score of the game. America took a 1-0 lead. Nacional rebounded and tied the score in the 73rd minute with a right foot to left post penalty kick by Gustavo Torres. After the end of regulation, penalty kicks went into play, with Cali outscoring Natcional 5-4 for the win.