With 7 games to go, and the Super Clasico this Sunday, Club America finds themselves just three points back of Cruz Azul.
Las Aguilas took over sole possession of the Liga MX scoring race with their 3-2 victory over Puebla last week. In addition, only six teams have conceded less goals than America. By the look of it, the Mexico City giants are in a good spot heading into the heated rivalry match against Chivas.
A more in-depth preview of the upcoming Clasico is for another time. The focus here is the health of the Club America squad that hit a rough patch but seems to be emerging from that malaise.
Since their 2-0 loss to Leon, America has gained points in every match, including a draw against Pumas after they went down two men with nearly 20 minutes to go in the match. It was that match that seemed to re-ignite the fire for America, propelling them to victories over Dorados in the Copa MX, and then Lobos, Monarcas, and Puebla in Liga MX.
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Diego Lainez’s rise to stardom is still in its youthful stages and the success the club has had this season has come despite missing Jeremy Menez due to injury. The youth movement is not limited to Lainez, either. Edson Alvarez and Jorge Sanchez have always played a role in getting America to this point. It would be a surprise if these key young players don’t progress even further by the end of the Apertura.
There are still concerns, however. Oribe Peralta has been a revelation this Apertura, leading the club with five goals at the ripe-old-age of 34. It is fair to wonder how long the club can rely on him for offense and if another striker, such as Henry Martin or Roger Martinez can step it up enough in the late stages of the season to avoid any sudden let-downs.
Furthermore, Miguel Herrera needs to find out how to get his best players on the pitch at the same time. Renato Ibarra should not be coming off the bench. As far as I am concerned, he and Mateus Uribe are the best play-makers America has at the moment. With all due respect to Diego Lainez, Club America can not be relying on an 18-year-old to provide the spark and creativity it needs to bully opponents. Especially as Lainez is still learning to deal with being a target for opposing defenses.
Of their 20 goals on the season, just one has come in the first 15 minutes. Of course, this isn’t an absolute must, but for a big club such as America, putting pressure on opponents early, requiring them to come out of their defensive shell and open up a bit, will be immensely helpful to the Aguilas cause.
All in all, Club America can look at what they’ve accomplished over the last 10 matches and be pleased, but far from satisfied. If they wish to overtake their roommates at Estadio Azteca, finding consistent scoring apart from Peralta and discovering lineup combinations that can put pressure on opponents from the start will go a long way towards that goal.