The feline goalkeeper was a key player in the feline’s narrow qualification to the knockout stages of the most prestigious Latin American soccer club competition, proving last year’s quarterfinals run was no fluke.

Needing a win to qualify, as the Chileans had a 10-7 points edge, Hernandez did the unthinkable:
Late in the game he left his goal to help the team score the winning goal, which motivated them to do just that against a pesky U Catolica, a few minutes into injury time.

“You don’t think about it, suddenly you’re motivated, and it’s those small things that build the team’s confidence,” said Hernandez. “I think everyone’s efforts were rewarded by our qualifying.”

One of the most consistent of all the Tigres, stated he checked with his manager “Tuca” Ferreti before taking off. “He turned his head, checked the clock, then gave me the sign to go.” He added that scoring a goal would’ve been nice but injecting enthusiasm into his team was equally important.

Carlos Ramirez, who is getting used to coming through in the clutch, and scored the crucial goal, gave credit to his teammate, Julio Cesar Santos, for setting him up.

“Half the goal is his (Santos’s) and half mine,” said Ramirez, adding that the team was not done. “There’s still work to do, all we did was advance to the next round.”

Glad about seeing the fans’ enthusiasm Ramirez modestly quipped, “I’m not the hero, we are all heroes.”

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