The Beginnings of Apertura 2012

America played against Veracruz this weekend in tournament Copa MX.  With the team wanting to prove themselves, the stakes were high to begin on the right track! After tying against Monterrey during the first game in Apertura 2012, America needed the win even if to just give themselves an esteem boost.

With both teams fighting for the ball, nothing was scored until minute 51 when Antonio Lopez lit up the score board for the blue and cream team.  The play was well executed as Christian Bermudez sent the ball into the air and Lopez headed the ball straight past Yair Urbina, goalie for Veracruz.

Unfortunately for America, Veracruz came back with a vengeance.  At minute 65, a play started by Jose Luis Lopez let his teammate Pablo Torres lightly tap the ball past Hugo Gonzalez, tying the game at 1-1.  When it seemed that the game would end at a tie, the Red Sharks of Veracruz scored once again.  This time, Luis Orozco scored after a corner kick was launched his way, giving his team the victory at only five minutes before the game ended.

The second game in Apertura 2012 will be played this upcoming weekend against Jaguares de Chiapas.  Adolfo Rosinei, who until this weekend had not played a whole game in six months, spoke about last week's game against Monterrey and their game against Veracruz.  He mentioned how the team had to leave those games behind and focus on this upcoming game against Jaguares.  He also mentioned that the team needed to have more control of the ball during transition periods.  That's to say, each player has to defend the ball better before passing it to the other.  He mentioned his excitement about being back on the team after not having played an entire game in half a year!

"It's very important to me, and it's good for me!  I haven't played a full game in six months, and a full game in 4!  It allows me to get back on track with the team and be at my best!"

With America only having received one point after their game against Monterrey, this next game against Jaguares will definitely define whether the team will do well or not during this new tournament.  Even though it's only their second game, getting the most points during it will give the players a boost of ego and allow them to play even better.  But then again, that's just my opinion!  Until next time!

by Oscar Perez