Las Leyendas de San Martín advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa Federal senior football tournament in Buenos Aires after defeating Bánfield 2–2 on aggregate and winning a penalty shootout at the Predio Luis Guillón, Diario de Cuyo reported. Trailing 2–1 late in regulation, San Martín’s Gastón Tosi scored the equalizing goal to force penalties, where goalkeeper Tarsicio Amaya stopped two shots to secure the victory.
Clutch Comeback and Penalty Heroics at Predio Luis Guillón
The +43 division match saw San Martín fall behind early against the hosts. With regulation time slipping away and the score at 2–1 in Bánfield’s favor, Tosi converted a late strike to level the match at 2–2. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Amaya stepped up for the San Juan side by blocking two attempts from the Taladro, sealing the qualification ticket for the Verdinegra squad.
Next Stop at Villa Domínico Against Independiente
Following their victory in Buenos Aires, Las Leyendas de San Martín will face Independiente de Avellaneda in the quarterfinals. The match is scheduled to take place at Villa Domínico. Amaya, who also serves as the tournament coordinator for San Juan, noted the challenges and rewards of competing on the national senior circuit. “It is a great joy. It costs everyone and traveling is complex, but passion wins out and this step forward was taken,” Amaya said, as reported by Diario de Cuyo. “Now, to prepare the match against Independiente and stay hopeful.”
Expanding Horizons for Senior Football Across Argentina
The Copa Federal project has provided senior players in San Juan and across Argentina with structured competition against professional club structures, elevating the standard of play for mature athletes. “This tournament gives you that option,” Amaya said. “It is not the same to play against Racing, Independiente, Bánfield or any of those, than to risk playing on barely discreet pitches. You feel like a footballer again and that helps in every sense.”
Sportivo Desamparados Advances in the +50 Category
In parallel action within the Copa Federal Senior tournament, Sportivo Desamparados advanced following a victory in Buenos Aires in the +50 category. Desamparados awaits its next opponent, which will emerge from the cross-bracket match between the Verdinegra Leyendas and a team from Laboulaye, Córdoba, or the representative from La Pampa that previously eliminated Sportivo Los Berros de Sarmiento. Regardless of the opponent, Desamparados will host the upcoming fixture in San Juan.
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