Colombia Ties Mexico at Coliseum

Colombia twice had to come from behind to earn a 2-2 tie with Mexico in front of an estimated 50,000 fans in an international soccer match at the Coliseum Wednesday night.

The Mexican team took the lead in the 13th minute on a superb 25-yard free kick by midfielder Victor Ruiz. Referee Arturo Angeles awarded the free kick after Colombia’s Freddy Rincon fouled Jose Maria Higarreta.

The Colombians tied the score within 10 minutes, however, with Carlos Valderrama providing a pinpoint pass to forward Freddy Leon. Leon flicked the ball to Ivan “Train” Valenciano, who shrugged off a feeble challenge from defender Claudio Suarez and fired a 16-yard shot past Mexican goalkeeper Carlos Briones.

A through pass from Mexico’s Marcus Lopez set Luis Garcia free on the right in the second half. Garcia cut in toward the goal before beating Colombian goalie Jose Maria Paz with a low shot.

Substitute Osvaldo Mackenzie scored the tying goal.