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Apertura 2009 Preview: Chivas De Guadalajara
Guadalajara will try to win their first league title since the Apertura 2006 season with much of the same squad that failed to reach the Clausura 2009 Liguilla.
Jul 23, 2009 1:26:07 AM
Clausura 2009 Record: 5-6-6, 21 points. Goals Scored: 21. Goals Allowed: 20. Leading Scorer: ‘Chicharo’ Hernandez. Primera Division Titles: 11. Last League Title: Apertura 2006. Last Playoff Appearance: Clausura 2008, lost in the quarterfinals to Monterrey.
Preseason Recap
Chivas started out the preseason on Mexican soil. They first played against the Gallos Blancos of Queretaro winning 3-2. Then they won 2-0 against the Leones Negros of the U. de G. The third game of the preseason was against Merida where they drew 0-0. Chivas drew 1-1 on the last preseason game on Mexican soil against Xoloitzcuintles of Tijuana .
The team then headed off to Europe for a tour. In the first game against Heracles Almelo El Rebaño fell 2-1 to the team from the Netherlands. The next clash against Turkish team Sivasspor they drew 2-2. In the final game, Chivas won 1-0 against PAOK Salonika of Greece.
In, Out, and Missing Men
Unlike for the Clausura 2009, Chivas opted for no new additions to the squad and decided to stick with young players. However, they did let of Carlos Ochoa, Jared Borgetti, and Francisco “Panchito” Mendoza who all joined the team for the Clausura 2009.
Chivas will be without a few players to start of the season. Xavier Baez will be missing through suspension for the first game. Alberto Medina and Johnny Magallon will also be gone due to participation with the Mexican national team, but may return depending on the result against Costa Rica. Omar Arellano will also be out with the reoccurring fifth metatarsal injury that took him out during his stay with the Mexican national team during the Gold Cup.
Season Outlook
Chivas will remain with a similar squad as the previous season. The players who left were not a significant part of the team, and it doesn’t seem like their departure will affect the current harmony of the squad. Paco Ramirez will also continue as the manager, but will need to achieve quick results because owner Jorge Vergara has a short tolerance for managers. With the young players, such as ‘Chicharo’ Hernandez and Marco Fabian, gaining more and more experience they’ll be sure to make an impact.
During the Clausura 2009 Chivas came close to getting into the Liguilla, and with a little more experience, they should be able to achieve it during the Apertura 2009.
Andrea Martinez, Goal.com
Visit Goal.com daily for more coverage of the Mexican National Team.
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