SOCCER : Mexico Inoffensive in Loss to Uruguay

Even if Bora Milutinovic had not been in the Coliseum press box Tuesday night, Manuel Lapuente could not have escaped the presence of the new U.S. soccer coach during Mexico’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay.

Milutinovic, a Yugoslav, spent most of the last 17 years as a player and coach in Mexico’s professional league, approaching idol status when he coached the host national team into the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup.

Lapuente, meantime, lacks not only Milutinovic’s international success but, perhaps more pertinent, his charisma. Two and a half years into his tenure, Lapuente has been unable to convince Mexico’s fans and media that he belongs in the job.

So, while Tuesday night’s game before a crowd of about 10,000 might have been an exhibition, it was significant for Lapuente because two days earlier, in Milutinovic’s debut as the U.S. coach, the Americans stunned Uruguay, 1-0, at Denver.

Uruguay took the lead in the 63rd minute after midfielder Sergio Martinez’ shot was deflected by a Mexican defender to forward Victor Lopez. Standing 15 yards out, to the right of the goal, he floated the ball over goalkeeper Hugo Pineda and into the left corner of the net.

Uruguay put it away in the 89th minute on a shot from 25 yards out by forward Gustavo Ferreira.