Club America ended Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente’s home undefeated streak 2-1 in week 6 action of the Clausura 2013 of La Liga MX. Tijuana had kept their opponents from claiming victory at “fortress” Caliente since Club Santos Laguna managed the feat on Jan. 29, 2012 in week 4 action of the Clausura 2012.
Goalkeeper Moises Muñoz was the hero of the game for the azulcremas. His teammates created a difficult task for the keeper after getting sent off for menial offenses. For 52 minutes Muñoz received barrage after barrage of attacks since two of his players received red cards. Despite this set back, America was able to hold off and take the game.
A penalty by Paraguayan Osvaldo Martinez and a rocket fired from outside the area by Mexican International Paul Aguilar gave the azulcremas the goals they needed to overcome a two-man loss in over 45 minutes of play. Juan Pablo Aguilar broke the net for Xolos in the 75th after trying to break down the wall set up by the eagles’ defense.
The pace of the game was dictated from the first 30 seconds. Argentine Rubens Sambueza received a yellow card for a collision that turned to pushing with Richard Nuñez. The intensity set what was to come from the start.
Colombian Duvier Riascos had the first shot on goal in the second minute of play, but Moises Muñoz, was aware saving his net. The game was back and forth as both teams tried to set conditions on the pitch.
The first goal was a penalty shot from Martinez. Argentine Christian Pellerano took Cristian Benitez down in the area. The referee pointed to spot for the foul on the Ecuadorian. Martinez fired to Cirilo Saucedo’s left to give America the 1-0 lead.
The controversy came a few minutes later. Sambueza was sent off for a double yellow card after kicking Riascos who had already passed the ball. America was a man down. The intensity increased as America elevated the roughness of the game. Within minutes America players were receiving yellows for losing their heads; Javier Rodriguez and Aquivaldo Mosquera were painted yellow.
Muñoz saved his net with his ankle as Xolos increased their attack. Xolos pushed forward applying pressure on the azulcremas. Ecuadorian Fidel Martinez had a good opportunity when he chipped the ball over Muñoz; however, the ball went wide saving America.
In the 38th Mosquera was sent off after he hooked Arce from behind as he was beginning to take off on an attack run. He received his second yellow and left America with two men down.
America Coach Miguel Herrera made several adjustments to defend his lead. He set up a wall to stop anything Xolos would send in. Xolos continued to attack but with no luck.
Xolos coach Antonio Mohamed also made adjustments as he tried to close the gap to take the game. Despite being a man down, America did not loosen up on their game continuing to play one-for-one with Xolos. The game went to break with America leading 1-0.
America surprised on a counter attack when Paul Aguilar doubled the America lead in the 53rd. Aguilar received a long ball and fired from outside the area. The ball had too much velocity for Saucedo to stop. America led 2-0 despite having a two man disadvantage.
The clock ticked against Xolos. The Aztec dogs continued to attack, but the yellow wall with the blue center stone was solid preventing any penetration.
Finally in the 75th Aguilar brought the energy back to the Caliente stadium. Riascos fought for the ball all the way to the line and passed to Raul Enriquez who centered to Aguilar. The Paraguayan beat Rodriguez in front of goal and put the ball in the back of the net to get closer to 2-1.
Xolos rabidly fought for control of the ball as they tried to close the gap and get ahead on the scoreboard. It was not meant to be as America cleared anything that came close to their danger area.
Next week Club Tijuana travels to Chiapas to take on Jaguares. America visits Aguas Calientes midweek to face Necaxa in Copa MX action.
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