Club América made their long-awaited Leagues Cup debut in San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium. The mostly yellow and blue dressed crowd did not leave disappointed as América captain Henry Martín’s 73rd minute goal was the difference in a hard-fought match with Liga MX rivals Atlas FC. With the win, América move on to the round of 16, where they will face St. Louis CITY SC.
The first half was a mostly cagy affair played in the middle third. If any team did forge an attack, it was América. And if América forged any kind of attack, it was usually down the left flank with Brian Rodríguez leading the charge. He, along with Dutch import Javairô Dilrosun combined for América’s most dangerous pays. But it was their defense that led to the first goal.
In the 20th minute high pressure from las Aguilas sprang the ball loose in Atlas’ defensive third. Rodríguez found Dilrosun at the top of the box, where he unleashed a rocket. Atlas goalie Camilo Vargas’ only recourse was a reflex save, but the rebound went straight to Érick Sánchez, whose reflex header sent the ball into the goal. It was the first goal for Sanchez wearing a canary-yellow shirt.
Atlas’ best chance came near the end of the half, but Sebastián Caceres flew in out of nowhere to block Jhon Murillo’s shot.
The heroic play would be costly, though, as the América defender was injured on the play and had to be replaced by Néstor Araujo at half time
Atlas turned the tables on América to start the second half. Their high pressure generated a couple of chances, but the Atlas attack could not find the frame at the moment of truth. More defensive pressure ultimately lead to a corner, where los rojinegros were able to find the equalizer. After having his corner kick rejected back to him, Raymundo Fulgencio got a second chance to center, and he dropped a dime right to José Lozano, who hammered the ball home with a powerful header in the 59th minute. It was Lozano’s second goal of the tournament.
The tying goal seemed to wake up América. Dilrosun concocted a couple of dazzling runs, the second of which saw him dance through a maze of red and black shirts. Nearing the endline, he centered across the goalmouth toward Martín, who somehow got his foot on the ball and somehow redirected it into the net. It was 2-1 after 73 minutes, and América saw the game through without any major difficulties.
América are one of six Liga MX teams that have advanced to the round of 16 in the 2024 Leagues Cup, joining Pumas, Toluca, Cruz Azul, Tigres, and Mazatlán. The knockout matches will be played on August 12 and 13.
