Soccer Chronicle

Technological Stadium, Monterrey, Mexico.

Under an intense heat, Los Diablos Rojos (Red Devils) of Toluca lost their first match of the season against CF Monterrey. What the game lacked in pace and execution, was made up with conviction and desire. Both teams fought a well contested match, in which both teams went for the attack. The home side came ahead in the 69th minute when Chilean international, Humberto Suazo scored a doozy of a goal.

Toluca’s opportunities were plenty, but without fruition. “We are not invincible” were the exact words of Mexican international, Antonio Naelson after venting out his frustrations. Red Devils manager, Jose Manuel de la Torre admited that his side never achieved superiority against their rivals. Toluca’s loss couldnt have come at a worst time. Toluca’s next three matches are against 3 teams that are playing well.

Monterrey will head into their next match day with high morale. Monterrey will square once again against nemesis for what it looking to be a nail biter. Both teams are coming off dramatic wins. Both Monterrey-based clubs will go into the match with 7 points a piece.

Morelos Stadium, Morelia, Mexico.

Mexican International, Miguel Sabah, has had a week full of emotions. His wife gave birth last Wednesday, while he was playing against the United States during a World Cup qualifying match. Sabah came in as a substitution and gave Mexico the lead when he put one past US goal keeper, Tim Howard. Morelia Monarcas blasted Los Indios (The Indians) with a 5-0 marker. Miguel Sabah opened up the marker in the 27th minute. He scored his 2nd goal of the match in the 36th minute of the match, which gave his team a 3-0 advantage. Morelia held on this matchday and are the only unbeaten team in the league.

Cuidad Universitario Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico.

UNAM Pumas(Mexico City) lost their 4th match against UANL Tigres (Monterrey) and the only problem is that its the 4th match day of the regular season. Los Pumas (the Cougars) are looking like they may not be able to defend their crown after their 4th consecutive loss to group leader, Los Tigres (the Tigers). Tigres was able to exploit their numerical advantage after Paraguayan international, Dario Veron and Mexican international, Efrain Juarez, were sent off. UNAM’s future seems hazy as they will be without the services of Veron and Juarez, who have to serve a one match suspension next matchday against group rivals, Estudiantes (Guadalajara).

Tigres’ last victory at UNAM’s stadium occurred nearly a decade ago. This victory couldn’t have come at a better time. Their morale is at an all time high after avoiding relegation last season. They are currently the top seed in the group standings. Tigres will face their archrivals, CF Monterrey, in an another edition of the ‘Clasico Regiomontano’. The Clasico Regiomontano has become one of Mexico’s most heated derbies. The city of Monterrey is sure to heat up for this match as both teams will want to claim bragging rights.

Aztec Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico.

With Club America’s (Mexico City) 2-1 victory over Atlas (Guadalajara), Las Aguilas (the Eagles) secured their 2nd home victory this year. Their last home victory was against Necaxa (Aguascaliantes) during the last match day of the Clausura 2009 regular season. Both clubs are owned by the same company, which tends to stir controversy amongst conspiracy theorists To many conspiracy theorists, it did not matter that both teams went into that match needing a win. Necaxa needed a win to avoid relegation and America needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Club America manager, Jesus Ramirez, couldn’t have delivered a win at much better time. It had been rumored that patience was running thin amongst the suits. Many media outlets stated prior to the match that the team had no excuses going into the game and that heads could roll is a win was not secured. Las Aguilas finally were going to play with a full roster. Colombian international, Aquivaldo Mosquera, served a one match suspension. Mexican international and sensation, Guillermo Ochoa, returned after his club duties after spending nearly 2 months with the national team. Another player that returned to the club after national team duties was left back, Oscar Rojas.

Perhaps another story unfolding was Paraguayan international, Salvador Cabanas, scoring a delightful goal from 24 yards out. This marks his 2nd goal of the season. His lackluster performances throughout the preseason were very unusual of him and many, including himself, were starting to feel the pressure. Many were claiming that he jinxed himself after switching numbers on his jersey. Club America will be facing their crosstown rivals, Cruz Azul, in what many consider a classic. America and Cruz Azul have delivered some of the most memorable matches in league history. One thing to note is that Cruz Azul will try to end a winnless streak against their bitter rivals. Cruz Azul has not been able to beat Club America since 2004.