Gameday Review: Torneo Apertura, MLS, EPL
8:29 PMGoalChatterTorneo Apertura
Today's game:
Club America v. Atlante: 0-1
Estadio Azteca
Commentators: Pablo Ramirez and Jesus Bracamontes
# of times Pablo shouted "Se La Perdio!" : 2
Atlante's numerous fouls, complete with an unfair set of yellow cards and consequent expulsion of one of CA's players gave Memo Ochoa's former team a pretty hard time. Nevertheless, Club America looked great throughout the game, both offensively as well as in defense. Goalkeeper Navarette was Man of the Match, as he had numerous saves, some of which were made even more striking by the great work of CA's defenders. The team was down to 10 men for the entirety of the second half, during which Atlante's Martinez scored his second goal of the season on the 49th minute as the ball soared from a distance to the upper right of the net, leaving Armando Navarette powerless. The match was "an important victory for Atlante", according to Pablo Ramirez, as 3 points acquired in an away game are always crucial.
Yesterday:
Torneo Apertura
Santos Laguna v. Chivas de Guadalajara: 1-1
Univision commentators: Jose Perez-Navarro & Diego Balado
It was a bit surprising to find that J. Bracamontes was not present, despite his team playing.
This was the first game of Santos Laguna's new manager, Benjamin Galindo. Rumors that former US coach Bob Bradley would take on the job at Santos were quelled by ESPN's LA blog. A recent article states that Egypt still want Bradley as their coach. But back to Mexico and Santos Laguna - the pregame. Cameras showed federal security and police officers on the ready, surrounding the stadium both on ground and by air. Safety precautions were taken after the shooting near stadium grounds that occurred several weeks ago. In a ceremony against violence and crime in the region, the entire team and staff of Santos Laguna set free an array of white and green balloons. Various amusing mascots were present during the photo shoot that followed, including a Corona bottle, the official sponsor of Santos Laguna. Santos have not lost to Chivas during their last 4 encounters. Needless to say, both teams had a slew of unused opportunities during the first half. Santos scored at the beginning of the second half (Figeroa). Luduena, who got yellow-carded on the 57th minute, and Darwin Quintero were both in the starting eleven. Chivas came back with a goal of their own that went into the upper right corner of the net from a free kick by Medina on the 73rd minute. Chivas kept attacking after that, all the way into extra time. The final score was a tie, but one that was played, in the words of Diego Balado, "with much intensity".
The MVP of the match was Alberto Medina (#10, Chivas), who tied the game.
Queretaro v. Pumas: 4-0
MLS
New England Revolution v. FC Dallas: 2-0
An intense game with both sides in need of 3 points (despite Dallas' 3rd spot in the Western standings). The Revs finally won, thanks to goals by Joseph and Lekic, as well as Matt Reis's usual goalkeeping tactics. The team kept on scoring but failing to hold on to the lead, giving in to pressure from teams like the Philadelphia Union, who tied the game 4-4 after the Revs' 3-1 lead. "A pivotal win", according to mlssoccer.com.
RBNY v. Vancouver: 1-1
Kansas City v. Houston: 3-0
Barclay's Premier League
Bolton v. Manchester United: 0-5
Wayne Rooney does it again with yet another hat-trick. Chicharito's double was close to becoming the second hat-trick of the match. United look amazing both at home and away games, and have one of their best seasons yet in store.
Tune in this Tuesday evening for CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:
Colorado Rapids v. Santos Laguna!!
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