Echeverría keeps Everton alive in Copa Sudamericana

The Copa Sudamericana had been unpleasant for Everton. A draw and a defeat, they had it away from leaders Sao Paulo and with little hope of moving on to the second phase.

However, the rain seems to have done the Ruleteros good because in the first half several goalscoring chances were created and only the fine performance of goalkeeper Andy Vidal kept the score at zero . But Ayacucho was not going to resist so long and Rodrigo Echeverría would make it 1-0 after 55 minutes.

Moreover, the advantage and opportunities created were of little use to the Garden City representatives. It’s that Cristian Techera exchanged an avoidable penalty for a goal (childish handball in the box by Juan Cuevas) and it looked like the Chileans, once again, would miss the chance to add three.

But those who had the yellow stripe had an enlightened man in their ranks. Or rather two. Because César Valenzuela knew how to read the Peruvian defense and whenever he could, he created goalscoring opportunities. Opportunities that found Echeverría inspired and both teamed up in the 71st, to put the advantage in Sausalito and the illusion in the coastal city.

And with this goal, Everton were second in their group, with four units, waiting for what the Brazilians do (six points) against Wilstermann (1) this Thursday. But the big opportunity will come next Thursday, May 5, when the team led by Francisco Meneghini take on the blessed team and try to stay alive in the fight for the rankings.