Apertura 2009 Preview: Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul were the laughingstock of Mexico in the Clausura '09 season, but new faces will ensure that such a fate does not await the club this season.

Jul 24, 2009 10:54:05 AM

More On :  Cruz Azul
Javier Orozco, Cesar Villaluz y Pablo Zeballos- Cruz Azul vs Puerto Rico Islanders (Mexsport)
Cruz Azul reached consecutive finals in 2008 as the team reached the Clausura and Apertura finals. Although la Maquina still did not break their decade-plus-long title-less streak, hopes were high for another run dep into the Clausura 2009 playoffs.

Things did not go according to plan, however. Cruz Azul had the worst season in club history as they finished dead last for the first time ever. Manager Benjamin Galindo paid with his job as he was sacked before the season ran out. A run to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League final did not do the club any favors though as Cruz Azul lost to Atlante in the final.
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But things have changed over the offseason and as Cruz Azul enters the Apertura 2009 season, there is hope in Estadio Azul once more.

The Man In Charge

To help turn things around, Cruz Azul turned to former manager Enrique Meza. Over the last three yeras, Meza worked wonders with Pachuca as he helped usher in a new era for los Tuzos. Under Meza, Pachuca became the first Mexican club to win a South American tournament, won the 2007 CONCACAF Champions League and SuperLiga, and won the Clausura 2007 title.

For Cruz Azul to expect such an array of titles in such a short span is perhaps a bit unrealistic but Meza's recent success makes him more apt to not settle for anything but a turnaround.

Cruz Azul became a poor defensive team last season and Meza's trademark with Pachuca was tough defending. If Meza can replicate some of the defensive success he enjoyed with los Tuzos in Estadio Azul, la Maquina's outlook could be bright.


New Faces

Perhaps the most important addition Cruz Azul made was goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona. The most valued offseason commodity, Cruz Azul scored a late coup in getting Corona and prying him away from Tigres, who apparently were all but set to sign Corona.

A strong and underrated goalkeeper, Corona could become a star playing for a high-profile team. Corona's skills were never in question during his Tecos career, but playing as the third team in a city that featured Chivas and Atlas, Corona was often overlooked. Now with Cruz Azul, Corona's talents will be on display in a club that is constantly under the media spotlight.

Corona, though, is not the only newcomer. Ramon Nuñez joins Cruz Azul from Puebla and gives the team a potential offensive force. Nuñez came from out of nowhere last season but quickly established himself as a player to be dealt with. Nuñez's presence could have a positive influence on fellow attacking players such as Cesar Villaluz, Luis Angel Landin and Pablo Zeballos, among others.

No Repeat Of History

In their attempt to reach their third consecutive league final, Cruz Azul bombed miserably. A poor defense was mostly to blame, though the confidence sagged from the start. Cruz Azul never looked like a dangerous squad at any point of the Clausura '09 season. A strong and winning mentality is necessary for Cruz Azul to change their mode of operations, and that could happen soon. With Meza around, the confidence seemingly improves as the club can truly wipe the slate clean from the Clausura failures.

Cruz Azul have not won a league title since 1997 and that 12-year drought drags on the club. But with the team's expectations low, it seems the opportunity is there for Cruz Azul to surprise their critics and make a run to the playoffs at least.

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