Apertura 2009 Preview: Group 3

Goal.com's Luis Bueno previews Group 3 of the upcoming Apertura 2009 season.

Jul 25, 2009 3:25:50 PM

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Christian Bermudez- Atlante (Mexsport)
Estudiantes

Until the end of the Clausura 2009 season, Estudiantes were known as Tecos UAG. But the club underwent a sort of re-branding with a new logo, new color scheme and a new name. Estudiantes is supposed to reflect more of than just the UAG as the club is trying to embrace university students across the country. The name may work but so too would success. Miguel "El Piojo" Herrera seemingly has some job security and appears to be building something for the long haul. While the club lost longtime goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona, Estudiantes added Bruno Marioni to the mix. A lethal scorer, Marioni seems poised for a big season after a falling out with Atlas. Marioni will likely try and prove himself to his former club, and Estudiantes should benefit.
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Cruz Azul

Dead last, la Maquina were without much hope at the end of the Clausura 2009 season. But a makeover of sorts helped Cruz Azul bring a more competitive team to the table. Now, Cruz Azul weren't exactly devoid of talent. They used many of the same players a year ago as they did during their run of consecutive finals appearances in 2008, but something was amiss. New manager Enrique Meza will try and sort out the club's problems, and given his track record the club could find a quick turnaround.

Tigres

Tigres received a stroke of fortune on the final day of the Clausura 2009 season. A 1-1 tie against Morelia was enough for Tigres to stay in the top flight but had Necaxa won, Tigres would be playing in the second division now. As it stands, Tigres will try and further remove themselves from the bottom of the relegation table. New manager Daniel "Travieso" Guzman brings his high-spirited energy to the team, and has a proven track record. Guzman brought in players like Edgar Castillo and Gaston "Gata" Fernandez to mesh with players like Lucas Lobos and Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca. Tigres have an uphill battle but they sit in as good of a position as they could have hoped for once last season ended.


Pumas

Pumas are the only club to ever win consecutive short-season titles, as 2004 was the Year of the Puma. The club is trying make it a five-year thing and christen 2009 as the Year of the Puma, Part 2. Pumas have a talented and experienced group led by a strong manager in Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti. The club overcame some early struggles in the Clausura 09 season and by having overcome then, won the league title and entering the season with much of the same foundation, Pumas should be strong from the start of the season and could contend for the superlider title as well.

Santos

Santos suffered through a strange season a year ago. Daniel Guzman seemed set in his role as manager and despite struggles in league, Santos were doing well in the CONCACAF Champions League. But Guzman was sacked and replaced by the dull Sergio Bueno. Not exactly a charismatic figure, Bueno's appointment to the post seemed odd. But it worked, as Santos recovered and made an unexpected though failed run at the playoffs. Hopes are high as Santos have added Carlos Ochoa to the forward mix. Oswaldo Sanchez is no longer in the national team picture but that is a positive for Santos as his focus and attention will be on his club 100 percent of the time. Santos have shown that they are a club that cannot be counted out.

Atlante

The Apertura 2009 season will be a unique one for Atlante. They will be the only club in the league that has a pending date abroad at the end of the year. Atlante's Apertura 2009 season will be a build-up for the FIFA Club World Cup, as Atlante will be an unlikely participant with the likes of Barcelona and Estudiantes de la Plata, formidable international foes. Atlante signed Santiago Solari, formerly of Inter Milan, and their attack should be more dangerous than it has been. Still, the question will be if Atlante will have their heads and their hearts on league play, or if the season will be a 17-game preparation for the Club World Cup.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Pumas
2. Santos
3. Cruz Azul
4. Estudiantes
5. Atlante
6. Tigres

Luis Bueno, Goal.com

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