|
|
"Average" Cruz Azul Take Advantage Of Crew Mistakes In CCL Rout
Cruz Azul manager Enrique Meza said his team played an average match in their 5-0 rout of MLS Cup holders Columbus.
Aug 27, 2009 2:57:22 AM
Listening to their manager after the game, it was difficult to tell that Cruz Azul had just finished winning a game by 5-0.
As it was, Cruz Azul manager Enrique Meza said his team did not play a great game and that it was "impossible to be satisfied" despite the result.
Ultimately, luck and circumstances played a role in the result.
"We expected a tough rival, and they are," Cruz Azul manager Enrique Meza said in a post-match press conference. "They were exhausted."
Columbus wilted as the game wore on. A 3-0 Cruz Azul lead in the 80th minute turned into a 5-0 victory in the span of 10 minutes.
"We played an average game," Meza said. "We had some scoring chances, gave up some dangerous set pieces and fortunately those did not fall."
For his part, Columbus manager Robert Warzycha said the scoreline reflected his team's performance.
"The result speaks for itself," Warzycha said. "We knew we had a difficult match since Cruz Azul is a very good side but obviously we did not think we would lose 5-0. We made mistakes and gave up some goals quite easily."
Cruz Azul jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead as former MLS standout Ramon Nuñez assited on Jaime Lozano's early goal before burying a 27-yard rocket later in the first half.
On Saturday, Cruz Azul were also involved in a five-goal game but la Maquina came up on the short end as the club lost 3-2 to rivals America.
Still, Meza conceded that circumstances played into the rout.
"We scored a number of goals which were a product of them having one player less, but they played very dangerously throughout the game," Meza said. "They gave up an extraordinary number of fouls, something I think they are used to doing."
Columbus meanwhile will prepare for a league match on Sunday as the Crew will visit New York.
"We return home with a painful defeat and with a lot of goals allowed," Warzycha said. "We will prepare better for our next match and hopefully we will have better luck on that occasion."
Goal.com
For more on the CCL visit Goal.com's CONCACAF page.
As it was, Cruz Azul manager Enrique Meza said his team did not play a great game and that it was "impossible to be satisfied" despite the result.
Ultimately, luck and circumstances played a role in the result.
"We expected a tough rival, and they are," Cruz Azul manager Enrique Meza said in a post-match press conference. "They were exhausted."
Columbus wilted as the game wore on. A 3-0 Cruz Azul lead in the 80th minute turned into a 5-0 victory in the span of 10 minutes.
"We played an average game," Meza said. "We had some scoring chances, gave up some dangerous set pieces and fortunately those did not fall."
For his part, Columbus manager Robert Warzycha said the scoreline reflected his team's performance.
"The result speaks for itself," Warzycha said. "We knew we had a difficult match since Cruz Azul is a very good side but obviously we did not think we would lose 5-0. We made mistakes and gave up some goals quite easily."
Cruz Azul jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead as former MLS standout Ramon Nuñez assited on Jaime Lozano's early goal before burying a 27-yard rocket later in the first half.
On Saturday, Cruz Azul were also involved in a five-goal game but la Maquina came up on the short end as the club lost 3-2 to rivals America.
Still, Meza conceded that circumstances played into the rout.
"We scored a number of goals which were a product of them having one player less, but they played very dangerously throughout the game," Meza said. "They gave up an extraordinary number of fouls, something I think they are used to doing."
Columbus meanwhile will prepare for a league match on Sunday as the Crew will visit New York.
"We return home with a painful defeat and with a lot of goals allowed," Warzycha said. "We will prepare better for our next match and hopefully we will have better luck on that occasion."
Goal.com
For more on the CCL visit Goal.com's CONCACAF page.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.