Cruz Azul Remain Committed Amdist Poor Run

Cruz Azul have enjoyed a solid campaign and are in line for a playoff spot, and players said as long as the club keeps that in mind things will continue to move forward.

Days after suffering a painful last-minute loss at Queretaro, Cruz Azul players forced themselves to look ahead at the remainder of the season and not back to the events that led to Cruz Azul's third loss in four games.

Still, simply dropping this last game has not added an immense amount of pressure within the squad.

"The pressure is always here with this team because we always want to win every game," forward Pablo Zeballos said at a press conference.

Cruz Azul and Queretaro were even at 1-1 in stoppage time on Saturday in a Jornada 13 match when disaster struck for Cruz Azul. Instead of holding on for their first tie of the season, Cruz Azul allowed the host Gallos to score the match-winner and Cruz Azul slumped to defeat.

But the loss has not derailed what the players have worked hard to achieve.

"This group has always been together since the start of the season but last week we had a tough game where we gave up a goal at the end of the game and dropped some valuable points but now we have to look ahead," Zeballos said. "We need to have a bit more concentration during stretches of games. In general i'm confident the team can maintain the highest level as possible."

With 21 points, Cruz Azul dropped four points behind Group 3 leaders Santos Laguna. With four Jornadas remaining in the Apertura 2009 campaign, Cruz Azul have some ground to make up in not a lot of time.

But la Maquina are still in line for a playoff spot and could distance themselves from third-place Atlante soon. Cruz Azul, who lead Atlante by two points in Group 3, host los Potros on Saturday in a critical match.

Zeballos said that la Maquina are still in a favorable position.

"Everything depends on us and as long as that's true we'll be fine. We just have to maintain our composure," he said. "The tournament is very competitive and I think the teams who are able to manage their seasons best will be there."

Goal.com

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