America's First Victory in Apertura 2012

America won its first game in Apertura 2012 this weekend!  The game against Jaguares de Chiapas took place at Club America's home stadium in spite of rainy weather conditions.  With a 4-2 win, America moves to 4 total points on the Tournament scoreboard while Jaguares remains at 0, this being their second loss of the tournament.

Jaguares came to this match determined not to let Las Aguilas score against them, and their determination was evident.  Jaguares player Luis Gabriel Rey scored for his team at minute 32 after two failed attempts of scoring by his teammates.  Christian Benitez was not far behind, scoring for America at minute 43, which tied the game at 1-1.  The first half of the game ended with neither team scoring a second time.

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.

America Falls to Cruz Azul

America- 1 (Benitez 23')
Cruz Azul- 2 (Pavone 27', 34')

Club America continued its American tour with a match against Cruz Azul in  Dallas, Texas.  Despite being a friendly, Cruz Azul brought their A-game.  Cruz Azul's Mariano Pavone  earned the game's player of the match, scoring both goals for his side.  Christian Benitez, once again being America’s favorite, scored for Las Aguilas.

America Wins First Game in the US

One goal was all it took to decide who would win this game.  America faced off against Pachuca this past weekend.  Just three minutes into the game, Christian Benitez scored for his team, keeping them in the lead for the rest of the game.  Pachuca had many misses during the rest of the game, keeping Las Aguilas on their toes, but alas, the effort was futile.  With this being the first game that America has won this year in the United States, they now await to face off against Cruz Azul and Morelia, again here in the Unites States.

Daniel Montenegro spoke about his thoughts on how the team was doing, after the game this weekend.  He mentioned how these pre-season games allow El Piojo to figure out who he will choose as his eleven starters for Apertura 2012.  “These games allow him to view his options and choose the best,” he stated.  He also said that the team is doing well, in this opinion, and that these games allow for them to set a rhythm based on how each plays.  “There is little time before the tournament, the important thing now is to start warming up for the first game against Monterrey.”

America's Pre-Season ends in The US

Well my friends, I must say that America lost their first friendly game in the United States.  The team played against Jaguares and lost 2-0 in a game played in Fresno, California.  The team was some players short, Benitez, Bermudez, Mosquera, Molina, Reyes and Jimenez.

Since there were so many “older” players missing, El Piojo Herrera had to make this games line-up out of some newer players.  It was expected that the team wouldn’t do so well without those key players, but we all hoped it would at least score one goal.  After the game, the team began to train for their upcoming game against Xolos.

America Prepares for U.S. Tour

America’s manager, El Piojo Herrera, announced that the team would not be adding any more players to the line-up.  According to him, “America doesn’t need any more men. Or what? Are we going to bring in a new man every six months?”  What El Piojo is explaining is that his team has done well with the members it has now.  Let me just say, there has been a lot of skepticism about his comment.  The reason being is that a lot of reporters are saying that his comment comes out as angry due to the fact that America was denied two players- De Nigris and Perarlta.  What they reporters happen to mention, “We are not in the same time period as before, where America could buy any player it wanted because there was no one to compete with their wealth.”  Whatever the reason for his comment may be, I fairly agree with it.  America went very far in the last tournament with the players it has; adding new people would mean rearranging the current players.

In other news, the team prepares for their tour in the U.S. There is a line of games that it will play in the upcoming week, many of which will be played in California, Mexico D.F., Tennessee, and Dallas.

By Oscar Perez

America's Preseason News

Hey everyone!  I hope to find you all well!  Not much has happened with the team since the last time I wrote, but there are some news.  For example, some new dates for games, some injuries, and some more news for trying to get new players on the team.  Just goes to show you that El Piojo is trying to make El America into a better team for the upcoming season.

America is set to play a friendly game against Pachuca on July 7th.  The game is set in the United States; Chattanooga, Tennessee to be exact.  It’s just one of the many friendly games that Pachuca has scheduled before entering the next tournament.

One of the biggest news this week was that of America offering 5 million dollars for a Brazilian player.  YES, 5 million!  Who is this player you may ask?  Jorge Valdivia, player for Palmeiras.  The player suffered an express kidnapping recently, and voiced his wish to move from the country to be safer.  According to a newspaper, “La Tercera,” the Mexican team sees Valdivia as “a great addition to the team for the upcoming Apertura ‘Azteca,’ which begins on July 20th.”

America and Draft 2012

Hey Americanista fans!  I hope you didn’t think I had forgotten about keeping everyone updated on what is happening with the team.  After a much needed vacation, I am back!  After failing to make it to the finals of Clausura, America hasn’t been playing any games. The strategy of recruiting players for the team has begun for El Piojo Herrera.

Aldo de Nigris, player from Monterrey, was one of the players that El Piojo is after.  He said, “If it isn’t de Nigris for the forward position, then I won’t get anyone for Draft 2012.”  If this does happen and de Nigris isn’t recruited, the position will be left to Raul Jimenez, who had demonstrated that he is willing to be part of the Aguilas.  Unfortunately, de Nigris was not recruited for Las Aguilas after the Monterrey management made it clear that de Nigris was not on the transfer list.

America Goes Home

After playing against Monterrey, and tying 0-0, America failed to move on to the finals of La Liguilla.  With the weather being against them, both teams played desperately to stay in the tournament.  Unfortunately for Las Aguilas, the lady luck was not on their side.  Monterrey won the game with a 2-0 victory, kicking America out of the tournament.

 

With the city in which the game was played having heavy rainfall, the trajectory of the ball changed in many occasions and slowed the ball as well.  Although the water had a lot to do with the control of the ball, it did nothing against the goals the "Rayados" scored agianst Las Aguilas.  Jose Maria Basanta scored in the eighth minute of play and Aldo DeNigris added the second goal of the evening in the 52nd to give Monterrey a 2-0 score.

America Faces Elimination

America faced off against Monterrey in their third match of La Liguilla.  With the weight of winning on their shoulders at home, America had to win the game.  Unfortunately for them, the game was not a victory, but ended with a 0-0 tie.

There were many opportunities for both teams to score during the game, but neither was successful.  Although Las Aguilas had most of the control of the ball, it was all in vain.  Monterrey was keen on keeping the ball out of the goal.  The game came to an end and both teams walked off the field with nothing to show.

Since America was unable to defeat Monterrey, they must win the next game, which will be held this weekend on Monterrey’s turf.  Without a victory, America will not be able to qualify for the finals.  This game will be difficult, since Monterrey was one of the best teams of the tournament.  We will have to wait and see what happens this weekend.  With the championship title at their fingertips, America will have to demonstrate, once again, why they have made it this far.

By Oscar Perez

Las Aguilas to the Semifinals

America advances to La Liguillas’ semifinals!  After facing off Pachuca for the second time, with a 1-0 loss, the team moves forward with a 3-2 lead on the scoreboard.  With a 3-1 victory after the first game, we would think that Las Aguilas would have no problem in being victorious during the second game, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

The only goal scored during the game was that of Pachuca player, Nestor Vidrio at minute 37.  Minutes later, Christian Benitez had the opportunity to tie the game, but he sent the ball off past the goal.  The rest of the game was spent on America trying to tie the game, but it it was all in vain.  The game ended with Pachuca winning the game, but was two goals short of moving on towards the semifinals.

America will move on to the semifinals and will face off against Monterrey this Wednesday at their own stadium.  We hope that the team is able to get enough goals to move on to the Championship game! Til next time!

written by Oscar Perez

3-1 Victory Demonstrates Why America is in the Tournament

 

Las Aguilas del America started La Liguilla with a great game.  After facing off Pachuca during the first away game of the tournament, they demonstrated why they made it to La Liguilla.  With a 3-1 victory, Las Aguilas put everyone on their feet, and they move on to the next round with a 3 goal lead.

As the game began, both teams played at their best, showing of their skills at controlling, passing and dodging their opponents. Unfortunately for Pachuca, Las Aguilas scored at minute 39 as El “Rolfi” Montenegro executed a corner kick that sent Jesus Molina up in the air to head the ball straight into the goal.  As Americanistas cheered for their team, 3 minutes later El “Hobbit” Bermudez scored.  The play began with El “Rolfi” aiming at the goal and the ball being stopped by the goalie.  As he, once again, took control of the ball he passed it to El “Hobbit” who, in my opinion, lightly tapped the ball into the goal.

America Unable To Win Against Cruz Azul

 

Unfortunately for Las Aguilas del America, this weekend’s game didn’t go as planned.  With this game, against Cruz Azul, being the third clasico in the Mexican soccer league, America wanted to win!  Cruz Azul, on the other hand, needed to win the game to be able to go on to La Liguilla.  With a 2-2 tie, Cruz Azul only had 25 points, in eighth place, but unfortunately for the team Jaguares made 27 points after their game on the same day.  Las Aguilas del America stayed at 32 points, now moving to 3rd place after Monterrey.

Las Aguilas lit up the scoreboard first, as Christian Benitez scored at minute 9.  Everyone was still celebrating the goal when, at minute 13, Benitez scored once again!The celebration only lasted 10 minutes, as Jahir Pereira headed the ball after a corner kick, for a score of 2-1.

Celebration Controversy Strikes America

There have been some major events with with Las Aguilas before the end of Clausura 2012 and the beginning of La Liguilla.  A male on male kiss, a visit from the owner, and a rejection of time change for the upcoming game are just a few of the things that have occurred since last week.  With the end of Clausura coming up, America is ready to win the upcoming game against Cruz Azul and be at the top of the general scoreboard.

The FMF (Mexican Soccer Federation) declined Cruz Azul the petition to change the time of Sunday’s game.  The reason as to why Cruz Azul asked for the change is because they have too many games back to back, but the FMF declined the petition anyway.  The reason the petition was declined, according the General Director of the FMF, was because there are regulations that must be met, and once those regulations have been set there cannot be any changes.  El “Rolfi” Montenegro came out and asked the Cruz Azul directors to stop whining and get it together!  He said, “The same thing happened to us last year, and no one helped us.”

This week, Emilio Azcarraga, owner of El America, came out to visit the team as they practiced for the upcoming game.  Paul Aguilar, defensive player, assured us that this visit was a good one.  He mentioned that Azcarraga came to congratulate them on their magnificent work during the tournament and to cheer them on for the upcoming game against Cruz Azul.  El Piojo Herrera mentioned that Azcarraga came and talked to the players, and asked them to keep rising and to reach for the best!

America Climbs to Number Two with Victory over Puebla

America 3 - 2 Puebla Montenegro (7') Garcia (pen.)(25') Pineda(o.g.)(48') Beasley (49') Benitez (pen.)(87') 

After this weekend’s game against Puebla, America demonstrated why they belong in La Liguilla. With the end of Clausura 2012 quickly approaching and this game being played on the road, Las Aguilas did not disappoint their fans. With a victory of 3-2, America now moves up the table to number two with a total of 31 points, while Puebla moves to 12th place with 16 points.

Las Aguilas del America lit up the scoreboard with a free kick at only minute six. The free kick was a result of a foul against El Chucho Benitez, and Daniel Montenegro executed the kick, sending the ball sailing over the wall and into the goal! The one-goal advantage lasted 20 minutes as Luis Garcia scored for Puebla, which came from a penalty kick. The second goal for Las Aguilas was, believe it or not, due to an own goal by Gonzalo Pineda. The play began with El Hobbit Bermudez passing the ball to Juan Carlos Medina, who in turn sent the ball flying towards the goal. As the ball passed in front of Pineda, he stuck his foot out and directed the ball towards the right side, scoring on his own team.

America Prepares for Puebla

In preparation for the game against Puebla this weekend, Las Aguilas del America took a trip to Sumiya, Morelos, where they trained for two days. The team practiced at a private club where El Piojo Herrera wishes to make the union between the team members even tighter. He hopes that this will show on the field during the game against Puebla and give their fans a victory worth celebrating.

None of the team member gave interviews this week, but Puebla team member Alexandro Alvarez spoke about the upcoming game against America. To keep you all up to date, Puebla tied at their last game, ending their chances at going on to La Liguilla. “None the less,” he said, “America is a rival that proposes a good match and more with El Piojo Herrera at the head of the team. Being qualified may give them confidence, but they shouldn’t underestimate this match, we aren’t going to spare them.” When asked about Puebla’s fans and how they feel about having such a bad ending to Clausura he said, “ We will go out and win, we want to say goodbye to our fans with a win against a major rival at home!”

America Secures a Spot in La Liguilla

America 3 - 1 Santos
Bermudez (38') Ochoa (45')
Benitez (72')
Vuoso (79')

This weekend America faced off against Santos in the 15th date of Torneo Clausura 2012. After last week’s victory against Chivas, Las Aguilas stepped out onto their home field with heads held high and fans cheering them on. Not only did they not disappoint their fans by giving them a great game, but they also didn’t disappoint El Piojo, by insuring a spot in La Liguilla with a 3-1 victory!

Las Aguilas wasted no time and quickly took control of the ball, and had no difficulty maintaining control. Santos seemed a bit off, especially in their defense, and America took advantage of the situation. Christian Bermudez scored a goal at minute 38, putting everyone to their feet! However, 14 minutes later, Santos scored the game-tying blow.

America Steals Victory from Rival Chivas

America 1- 0 Chivas
Aguilar(86')

Americanista fans everywhere rejoiced as Las Aguilas kicked it into high gear against Las Chivas del Guadalajara. With this game being the biggest rivalry game in Mexico, everyone was on their feet as both teams walked out onto the field and began the game. To our liking, America was triumphant and ended the game with a 1-0 victory in the opponent’s territory.

In my opinion, Las Aguilas had Chivas on their toes during the entire game. During the first half, America took control of the ball for majority of the time and took great advantage of that demonstrating their skills at controlling, passing, and stealing the ball from their opponents. At minute 20, El Chucho Benitez scored for America, heading the ball into the goal, but to everyone’s surprise the referee said the goal did not count and he annulled it! It was understandable, to a point, that he thought the goal did not count, but he should have taken a closer look before making the call. Benitez jumped to head the ball, but Chivas player Kristian Alvarez also jumped and it made it seem as though Benitez had used Alvarez to lift himself up higher. As the slow motion cameras came on the screen with the images of the play, it was clear that it was not so, but unfortunately for America it was too late.

El Clasico: Guadalajara vs. America

ARE YOU READY!?  This weekend is the game we have all been waiting for!  El Gran Clasico, as America faces their all time rival, Las Chivas del Guadalajara, will be played this Sunday, April 8th.  What is the big deal you may ask yourself?  These two teams possess the biggest rivalry game in the whole Mexican nation for decades; no other two rivals bring about more excitement and nail biting anticipation than these!

“El Piojo” Herrera spoke about the game against Monterrey last week and said that he is proud of his team.  He went on to say that each player has been putting 100% of their effort towards each game.  About the upcoming rivalry game, he said that the team is focused on bringing about a great game with great results although, he added, “leaving Chivas out of the tournament would be something to be very proud of.”

America Fall to Monterrey

America faced off against Monterrey this past weekend at the Estadio Azteca, home of Las Aguilas.  Hoping to win the game at home and to put their fans on their feet, America came out with their heads held high after last week’s loss.  Unfortunately, America was unable to put their losing ways behind them.

The game started off with Monterrey taking control of the ball and the game itself for the first 15 minutes of the game.  However, America was not going to let the them get away with it.  Christian Benitez scored for America at minute 19, taking the lead  early in the first half of gameplay.  That did not last long though, one minute into the second half, Humberto Suazo scored for Monterrey, tying up the highly contested match.