GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Birthday boy Jose Torres was Tigres UANL’s makeshift left back Tuesday as the team overcame an under-strength Club América side 1-0 at Estadio Universitario.
Torres’ best moment against the league leaders came in the 21st minute when he delivered a cross from the left wing, which Alan Pulido sent over the bar. The US international, who turned 26 on Tuesday, didn’t seem completely at ease in his new position, however, and was brought off in the 67th.
Tigres’ goal came three minutes later, with Gerardo Lugo deflecting in a fiercely struck cross from Lucas Lobos.
Former Chivas USA left back Jonathan Bornstein also dressed for Tigres, but wasn’t brought on by coach Ricardo Ferretti.
The win for Tigres keeps alive the chances of an American presence in the Liga MX postseason and moves them into ninth place on 21 points, one behind Querétaro in the final playoff place with two rounds of matches remaining.
Torres and Tigres face a tough home game against León this weekend and close the regular season at an Atlas side battling relegation.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
