Cruz Azul extends Mexican league lead

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Cruz Azul defeated Toluca 1-0 to continue its domination of Mexico's Clausura championship after the ninth round.

Cruz Azul moved six points clear of second-placed Toluca with Saturday's result, with Pumas in third after a 0-0 draw on Sunday against Pachuca.

In other weekend matches, Chivas drew 0-0 with Tigres, America won 2-1 against Monterrey, Leon overcame Chiapas 3-0, Tijuana drew 1-1 with Veracruz, Atlas defeated Santos Laguna 2-1, Atlante beat Morelia 2-1 and Puebla downed Queretaro 1-0.

Cruz Azul has won eight of its nine games so far this season, conceding just three goals It beat Toluca when Christian Gimenez headed in from a free kick in the 80th minute.

Pachuca's Ecuadorian international Enner Valencia had three good chances to give his side the lead, but Pumas held on for the point.

Rubens Sambueza stole in front of a defender to poke in America's winner in the 89th. America took the lead when Erick Pimentel headed in from close range in the 35th, with Colombia's Wilson Moreo equalizing for Monterrey in the 81st.

U.S. international DaMarcus Beasley headed in for Puebla in the 53rd.

--