GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Following the midweek tie between the United States and Mexico, a number of Americans playing south of the border were back in domestic action this weekend, but it was the result of Miguel Ángel Ponce and Chivas de Guadalajara that stood out.
The left back went all 90 minutes as los Rojiblancos managed an incredible 2-1 win over Monarcas Morelia. Chivas fell to nine men after two red cards in the second half and withstood relentless second half pressure from Morelia before snatching a winning goal in the 79th minute to run their record to 3-0-2.
Not to be outdone, US international striker Herculez Gomez also put in an admiral effort as Estudiantes Tecos got a vital 2-0 away win against neighbors Atlas.
With both teams in the relegation zone — and just days after José Luis “Chelis” Sánchez’s contract as Tecos coach had been terminated due to the team’s poor start to the season — Gomez looked inspired. The California-born striker had a few chances and looked dangerous before being brought off in the 75th minute.
Back from USMNT duty, Pachuca midfielder Jose Francisco Torres started the game against Toluca and helped his team to a 3-0 home victory. Torres played well for 69 minutes before leaving the pitch, perhaps with his midweek excursion in the mind of coach Efraín Flores.
Up north, Joe Corona’s Tijuana hosted DaMarcus Beasley’s Puebla at lunchtime on Sunday in a game in which both teams had chances to win but settled for a 1-1 tie. Both started the entertaining game with Corona on the right wing for Tijuana and Beasley on the left wing for Puebla.
Corona was brought off in the 69th minute after an effective display while Beasley played the full 90 minutes and was especially useful in tracking back for Puebla.
Edgar Castillo started for Club América in a 2-2 draw against Tigres. Jurgen Klinsmann call-up Castillo played left back, in contrast to his recent appearances on América’s left wing. Las Águilas took the lead before Tigres came back in the second half. The Mexico City club snatched a last minute equalizer thanks to a great cross in from California native Isaac Acuña, who entered on 81 minutes and played on the right wing.
Jonathan Bornstein didn’t feature for Tigres, whose U-20 squad also battled their América counterparts, albeit in a losing effort. Five American-born players saw action for the felines' youth squad, including striker Moises Orozco, who saw red on 85 minutes.
San Luis managed an impressive 1-0 win over Monterrey at home, but US defender Michael Orozco Fiscal wasn't on the field, serving a suspension for lightly head-butting an opponent in his previous outing.
In the Liga de Ascenso, midfielder Marco Vidal played a full 90 minutes in his Club León’s 1-0 away victory at Indios de Cuidad Juárez.
Tom Marshall can be reached at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com or via Twitter: @mexicoworldcup
