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Anniversary Curse Continues For America
America played to a 0-0 tie against Puebla in their 93rd anniversary.
Oct 19, 2009 1:06:36 AM
America has not seen a victory in their last two encounters and drop to third in group 2. Puebla gets their 8th tie this season and remains second to last in group 2 with 17 points.
First Half
America wanted a win on their 93rd anniversary so they started attacking from the get go. Adolfo Rosinei had America’s first real chance after only one minute of play. Rosinei was able to go into the box unmarked, he had a shot but Alejandro Acosta was able to deflect the attempt out to a corner.
Enrique Esqueda had a golden chance in the 9th minute but it was not to be. Esqueda tried his luck from long distance and his shot surprised Jorge Villalpando who got a hand to it but was also helped by the post.
America had the clear attacking intent but Puebla held strong.
After starting off fast Las Aguilas slowly started to dissipate thanks to the Puebla defensive line, who was motivated to keep the clean sheet.
America did not have another chance until the 37th minute. Israel “Jagger” Martinez crossed in a good ball to an open Esqueda. “La Paleta” had his chance but wasted it in the end.
America would have two more wide misses to end the half, while Puebla had nothing to offer offensively.
Second Half
America came out with the same intensity in the second half but was lacking the finishing touch.
Puebla had their first real chance at goal in the 59th minute. Jared Borgetti had the ball inside the box, he cut the ball back, had a go but his shot went straight to the hands of Guillermo Ochoa.
Just one minute later Puebla again made their presence felt in the Azteca. Carlos “El Pescadito” Ruiz made some space for himself and shot on goal forcing Ochoa to make a diving save.
Puebla slowly seemed to take control of the game as America showed less and less on offense.
Borgetti had another in the 66th minute. Jared brought down the ball with his chest. The ball took a quick bounce before he released the trigger. Ochoa could do nothing to stop the shot but the upright impeded the ball from crossing the line.
Daniel Marquez had America’s last chance in the 83rd minute. Marquez desperately tried to hit the ball any way he could and he succeeded but his shot went well wide.
The match was all played in the middle after that which kept things even at 0-0 splitting the points between these two.
Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com
For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura 2009 season, visit Goal.com's Mexican football section.
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