This could be the beginning of Pachuca’s late-season sprint for the playoffs as the Tuzos visit the league’s worst team, Veracruz.
After early season mis-steps, Pachuca played well throughout September but has struggled to close out games in recent weeks. Those lost points could come back to haunt the Tuzos as they travel to Veracruz in a key Matchday 14 game Friday night. Veracruz is just playing out the string and they have only won once at home.
Last match
Veracruz: 4-3 loss at Atlas
The league’s worst defense visits the team with the worst offense and what happens? Fireworks! Atlas had scored only 5 goals through 12 weeks, but put 4 past hapless Veracruz goalie Pedro Gallese. The Tiburones are a team in disarray though hardworking striker Cristián Menéndez continues to rack up goals, scoring twice against Atlas.
Pachuca: 1-1 tie vs Santos
The Tuzos got on the board early and battled the potent Santos offense to a standstill for 80+ minutes only to see Julio Furch get free with 5 minutes remaining. Those 2 lost points and points lost the match before (10-man Toluca scored a late game-winner) are what has the Tuzos outside a playoff spot right now. Erick Aguirre impressed in a more forward role but striker Leo Ulloa could not find space against the tough Santos defense.
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Possible line-ups
Veracruz: 4-4-2
Gallese
Carrasco – Caicedo – Rivas – Mares
Murillo – Caragena – Ruiz – Luna
Menéndez – Chávez
Right fullback Jesús Paganoni is out after seeing a red card last week but coach Juvenal Olmos does not have many reliable alternatives. Gallese – despite giving up the most goals in Liga MX – has actually had a decent season, but he can expect to be peppered from long-range by Pachuca. He’ll need his back four to communicate since the Tuzos work their way into the box quite effectively. Always count on “Polaco” Menéndez to give 110%.
Pachuca: 4-3-3
Blanco
López – Tapias – Murillo – García
Sagal – Hernández – Martínez
Guzmán – Ulloa – Aguirre
Aguirre typically plays in midfield and with El Tri he was utilized as a holding midfielder, but his skills on the ball encouraged coach Pako Ayestarán to move him up front and he was very effective against Santos. Pachuca effectively has 5 players in attacking roles as Angelo Sagal and Pablo Martínez push forward into attack with regularity. Last week, Manny García picked up a thigh injury but he was available for Copa action midweek though he did not get off the bench.
Key players
Veracruz: Pedro Gallese probably has trouble sleeping at night, unconsciously making reflex saves every few seconds. The Peru international keeper is probably not long for Veracruz (rumors have him leaving for Boca Juniors), but he is the best bet for the Tiburones to get a result against Pachuca. If he is on his game, the Tuzos will have trouble getting on the board.
Pachuca: Leo Ulloa was brought in from Leicester City to score goals and the opportunities he is bound to get against the leaky Veracruz defense do not come around often. At times, the tall Argentine has had trouble connecting with his teammates but if he keeps moving into space, they will find him. Ulloa needs to score and that will open up the flanks for the speedy Tuzos that surround him.
Prediction
Pachuca’s performances have been improving as the season has progressed and young players such as Pablo Martínez and Miguel Tapias are coming of age with the playing time coach Ayestarán has granted them. If they can shake off the midweek Copa elimination and focus on the task at hand – winning out – the Tuzos will have a pleasant stay in the port city.