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Apertura 2009 Preview: Club America
America hope that their busy offseason will bring forth fruits in the upcoming Apertura.
Jul 23, 2009 1:42:08 AM
Las Aguilas' first plan of attack will be to reach the Liguilla. They have not been in the Liguilla since the Clausura of 2007 where they reached the final and lost to Pachuca. Ironically enough that was the last game for their star player Cuauhtémoc Blanco who signed with the Chicago Fire leaving the Aguilas without their wingman.
Things only got worse last season. America seemed incapable of wining at home. The once fortress of the Aguilas seemed more like a run down shack. Every team that came into town knew they had an almost certain win. America; however, managed to rescue one win at home in the last game of the season. The victim was their brother Necaxa, who were relegated after their loss.
In order for America to be a serious contender this season it is obvious they will need to win at home. They need to make the Azteca into a place of fear for their opponents. As soon as the wins start coming at home the fan base will once again show up to watch games, which is something they were missing last season.
The offense will also be needed to be based on someone else other than Salvador Cabañas. Cabañas converted more than half of America’s total goals last season. Las Aguilas though have reinforced the front bringing in forward Daniel Montenegro from the Argentine club Independiente.
The defense also needed some adjustment after conceding 27 goals last season. They have brought in Ricardo Rojas from the relegated Necaxa. Perhaps the most significant signing though was that of Aquivaldo Mosquera. They acquired the Colombian from Spanish side Sevilla where he had played since 2007.
Two more key acquisitions for America in the offseason can be reflected in the midfield. They made a move for Israel “Jagger” Martinez and brought him back from San Luis. Las Aguilas also reached into their pockets and were able to get ex-Corinthian Adolfo Rosinei.
Not only has America been busy with the transfer market but they have been trying to find as much cohesion as possible in the preseason. The heads of America did a great job in organizing America’s play in the World Football Challenge. By the time the Apertura season kicks off, they will have faced three European powerhouses which is more than what you could ask for, for preseason preparation.
There is one more matter that America are still working on though. Michel Bauer, president of America, made it clear that talks with Cuauhtémoc Blanco on his return to the Aguilas are well underway.
“We are respecting his contract. We have talked about his return to America but we know that he is with Chicago. We will continue these talks and as soon as the MLS season ends he will know that the doors are open for him to comeback,” Bauer said to oem.com.
With Blanco back success would be in reach since the coveted player is known to bring success.
Losses:
Fernando Ortiz (Def)
Edgar Castillo (Def)
Enrique Vera (Mid)
Robert De Pinho (Fwd)
Reinforcements:
Fernando Lopez (Def)
Aquivaldo Mosquera (Def)
Israel Martinez (Mid)
Daniel Montenegro (Fwd)
Adolfo Rosinei (Mid)
Ricardo Rojas (Def)
Season outcome: America will finally make it to the Liguilla this season. Their championship hopes though will end in the semifinal round.
Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com
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