Jornada 8 Recap: Who's To Blame In Chivas

Omar Arellano | Morale is low in Guadalajara.

Chivas went through three coaches in the past Clausura and obviously none of them could do anything to lift the team. It’s so bad that even Ramon Morales doesn’t want to take the rap for it when he resigned to captain the team. The coaches come and go but yet nothing can be done to give Chivas that winning edge, so it is obviously something even more internal.

The base of the team has remained virtually in tact for some time so cohesion can’t be blamed. Chivas defense is the one suffering the most yet they boast some of the best defenders the league has to offer. Jonny Magallon, Aaron Galindo, and Hector Reynoso all feature in the Chivas’ back. They also have Luis Michel between the posts and he could easily be considered to be in the national team. The offense is pretty decent as well. Despite having a good base of players Chivas finds it very difficult to win. Maybe its Jorge Vergara, maybe it’s the players or maybe having an all Mexican team isn’t good enough any more. It could be one thing or a combination but they need to do something and especially with the Clasico coming up.

Puebla Unbeaten, But Not The Best

Puebla is still unbeaten after eight Jornadas and they are the only team to do so. On Sunday they got their third win in the tournament, meaning that they have tied on five of their matches. The undefeated title sounds impressive but when you look a bit deeper you find out that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps the strongest opponent that Puebla has faced so far is Pachuca. They did beat Los Tuzos but Pachuca was going through a rough stage.  Puebla does create good offensive chances but they do not score a lot.  They average out about a goal a game which is not good. The toughest tests are yet to come for Puebla. They still need to face trams like Monterrey, America, and Toluca. Then we will really see what Puebla is made of.

Gallos Blancos, We Barely Knew You

It is safe to say that Queretaro will be the next team to be relegated.

Precious Silverware | Long-forgotten memories for Queretaro.

Indios is right in that race as well but Gallos Blancos have a lower rating because it is their first season back. Gallos Blancos are yet to see a victory in the Apertura. There was already a coaching change but the team still looks the same, they are not responding to anything. It is really depressing as player to know that the team you will be facing is most likely going to beat you; you just have to hope it’s not by too much. The players know it’s a lost cause and if they want to be traded to a decent team come relegation time then they need to start working, if not then they will go down too.

Overrated

Here’s a list of the most overrated occurrences in the Jornada

1. Americas result over Estudiantes - Did we not have that feeling in our stomach that it would be another blow out game for America? The way the referee was calling things early on you kind of knew which way the game would ultimately be swayed to.

2. Puebla’s unbeaten streak - If a team like Pachuca, Toluca, or America had the same schedule as Puebla then they would be undefeated as well. Puebla has not faced an opponent who could test them. Puebla have one weaker opponent coming up (Pumas) and then the fun begins.

3. Francisco Ramirez’ resignation - Really? He resigned? The way outlets have reported it, he had a long chat with the sporting director before he even resigned. He was fired, it’s more than obvious and it was more than expected. Club owner Jorge Vergara said that Ramirez would be staying for the remainder of the season but we all know how quickly Vergara changes his mind.

4. Pumas lose again - This is hardly news anymore. A better headline would if they win or even a tie would be better publicity. Amazingly though Ferretti is still coach. Ferretti is not a bad coach but he has been inconsistent with his teams all through out his career. Just pull a Vergara and say he resigned so that things can flow more smoothly for Pumas.

5. Daniel Marquez - Daniel Marquez might be asking for too much in America. The young forward obviously wants minutes and actually said that if given a chance he could be a good replacement for Salvador Cabañas. Maybe Marquez is getting ahead of himself because there is no one in Americas roster who could possibly replace Cabañas. He is too important to the team and Jesus Ramirez will not sub him just so that Mr. Marquez can get some playing time. Just wait for your chance you will get it eventually.

Season's Ghosts

There were high expectations for many after the end of last season and the beginning of this one. Here are the top five disappointments or ghost’s so far this season.

5. Daniel Osorno - Daniel Osorno improved his game dramatically when he played in Puebla last season.

Daniel Osorno | Boy, Danny, you played better in that jersey.

Osorno was signed under Atlas in order to make a triumphant return to the team that saw him blossom. Triumphant it has not been. Atlas has not seen a victory in their last 5 games. Osorno has played in all 8 games but has not impressed like he did last season.

4. Vicente Matias Vuoso - Can it be that not being on the national team can affect a player’s performance? It seems to be the case for Vuoso who surprisingly enough has not scored a single goal in the season. Luck for Vuoso, his teammates have picked up the slack. Vuoso is unlikely to hear his name on the national team anytime in the near future so he better start getting used to it.

3. Cinderella no more - Indios pulled of an impressive string of victories last season which saw them advance into the Liguilla. This time though the Cinderella charm is over. Indios have not won a single game in the Apertura.

2. Queretaro - Gallos Blancos give off a really weak impression of the Primera A. Queretaro was supposed to show that they do want to belong in the top flight but they have not done so. Only hope for Queretaro now is for El Salvador to lose to Mexico. If El Salvador lose then Carlos de los Cobos would most certainly be available. De los Cobos brought Queretaro success before and still has some unfinished business to take care of with Gallos Blancos.

1. Champions who? As unbelievable as it sounds Pumas are the current champions. Pumas has to be one of the biggest let downs in the history of the Mexican league. The felines have won only once this season and have lost the other seven games. Ferretti still believes he can bring back Pumas but that is highly unlikely. Just give it up, remember there is always next season.

Best IX

GK-Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul)

DEF-  Noe Maya (San Luis), Duilio Davino (Monterrey), Alejandro Acosta (Puebla), Oscar Rojas (America)

MID- Angel Reyna (America), Hugo Droguett (Morelia), Tressor Moreno (San Luis), Daniel Montenegro (America)

FWD- Luis Gabriel Rey (Morelia), Carlos Ruiz (Puebla)

Best Game: Pumas vs. Pachuca

This was a rematch of last years final and it did not disappoint. Of course Pachuca was looking for revenge while Pumas were hoping for an improbable win. Pumas took the lead in the game but they could not hold on to it. Pachuca rallied back and got the winning goal right before the game ended. The game showed good pace and movement from both sides.

Best Player: Daniel Montenegro

Daniel Montenegro | Making noise with America.

Montenegro was everywhere for America in their win over Estudiantes. He capped off his stellar performance with a pair goals. Jesus Ramirez obviously made the right move when he signed the Argentine in the offseason.   

Best Team: San Luis

Although America did score one more goal than San Luis, Las Aguilas were helped on a couple thanks to the referee. San Luis on the other hand showed complete dominance over Chivas. The Gladiators were creative and even the defense got in on the goals. American defender Michael Orozco got in on the action by putting one past Luis Michel. San Luis had problems scoring before but this game could be that ice breaker that allows them to score more in the Apertura.

Sylvestre Adame covers Mexican football for Goal.com.

For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura 2009 season, visit Goal.com's Mexican football section.