Atlas 1-0 Club America: America’s Own Demise

America’s own goal was enough for Atlas to take all three points in the encounter.

Feb 7, 2010 10:41:00 PM

By Sylvestre Adame

Enrique Esqueda - America (Mexsport)
Atlas continued with their great form against America. Los Zorros barely scrapped a win thanks to an own goal by America. Las Aguilas are still without key players Salvador Cabañas and Aquivaldo Mosquera. America played well but Atlas’ keeper Jose Francisco Canales denied them at every chance.

America’s record is now .500, while Atlas takes a surprising second place in group 1.

First Half

Atlas initiated their attack early in the game. Gerardo Espinoza tried a low driven shot from outside the box but his shot opened up too much in the end.

Atlas saw another chance in the 9th minute. Dario Botinelli sent a shot from outside the box but his attempt also went wide.

America finally had a chance in the 13th minute. Angel Reyna drove the ball down the right side before crossing it into the box. Enrique “Paleta” Esqueda headed the ball but it went to the side.


America had a great deal of chances in the middle of the first half but all of their attempts either went wide or over the bar.

The game was held in the middle for the rest of the half as it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

Second Half

Atlas started off the second half like they did the first. Miguel Zepeda had a great chance in the 50th minute. Zepeda drove into the box but he elevated his shot too much and it ended up in the stands.

America’s best chance came in the 55th minute. Israel “Jagger” Martinez drove down the left side before firing a shot near post.  Jose Francisco Canales followed the play and made the save.

The goal for America would come in the 57th minute but unfortunately it went the other way. Edgar Pacheco sent the ball into the America box. Mario Mendez got his head to the ball but Juan Carlos Valenzuela touched it last and put it in against his own team. Atlas led 1-0.

Enrique Esqueda continued to be dangerous for America. Esqueda got a header in the 59th minute. His header was stopped by Canales. Esqueda found the ball again the 63rd minute but his attempt went over the bar.

Angel Reyna saw his shot on goal stopped in the 64th minute. America pressured heavily but Canales stopped everything.

America stopped the attack as defeat became more and more realistic.

The game ended in a 1-0 Atlas win.

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