Gringo Report preview: Jonny B, Tigres eye first

Jonathan Bornstein hopes to be in Tigres' lineup against Santos.

It’ll be a busy weekend for our American legion of futbolistas in Latin America as the Mexican Clausura enters Week 5 and things get underway over in Colombia. There are some good matchups scheduled for this weekend, so fire up that grill, grab a hold of some chips and salsa, sit back and tune in.


MEXICAN PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
[inlinenode:327414]Monterrey (1-3-0) vs. Pachuca (1-1-2)

Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, Telemundo


Americans: Hérculez Gómez, José Francisco Torres (PAC)


After winning their first game of the season, Pachuca have gone from more to less, drawing the next two and getting thrashed last week. Los Tuzos will be looking to bounce back against defending champs Monterrey, who are down on their luck and prime for the taking.


Pachuca’s offense has been relatively feeble, so Gómez, who saw 45 minutes of play last week, and Torres, who’s seen 13 minutes of play all season, could see increased roles on Saturday.


Chivas de Guadalajara (0-1-3) vs. Atlante (2-2-0)

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Telemundo


Americans: Miguel Ángel Ponce (CHI); Sonny Guadarrama (ATL)


The last time these two sides met, Atlante walked away with a 2-1 victory, evening up their historical record against Chivas (22-22-28). Aside from seeking bragging rights, los Potros will be looking to keep adding distance between themselves and the relegation spot, while el Rebaño Sagrado mainly hope their impotent offense finally finds a spark.


Guadarrama has worked his way into a substitute role with Atlante, and it’s likely he may see some mop up minutes. Ponce, on the other hand, is still recuperating from a thigh injury and won’t be available for Chivas.


Santos (2-1-1) vs. Tigres UANL (2-1-1)

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Galavisión


American: Jonathan Bornstein (TIG)


Though the tournament is still young, Tigres haven’t lost away. On Saturday, the felines will look to add to their record away at Santos, where they haven’t lost since 2004. The winner of this match will claim sole superiority of Group 1.


Bornstein, who’s been featuring as a holding midfielder, witnessed Tigres’ loss last week from the bench. But against los Guerreros’ potent offense, the US international should get the starting nod.


[inline
node:327723]Puebla (1-2-1) vs. Pumas UNAM (2-0-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, TV Azteca


American: Edgar Castillo (PUE)


It’s David vs. Goliath when Puebla, last in Group 3 and in the tail end of the league table, host undefeated Pumas, Group 3 leaders and second overall. For la Franja, holding Pumas to a draw would be a victory, as the Mexico City side has won its last two meetings by scores of 4-1.


Castillo has shown well for his new team but hasn’t been able to claim the left back spot as his own. What his role will be on Sunday is up in the air.


Best of the Rest:

Liga Postobón: Quindío vs. América de Cali (Diego Restrepo), Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET


Liga de Ascenso: Dorados vs. Tijuana (Joe Corona), Saturday, 9 p.m. ET


Liga de Ascenso: León (Marco Vidal) vs. Leones Negros, Saturday, 9 p.m. ET, www.clubleon-fc.com


Mexican Primera: San Luis vs. Estudiantes (Daniel Atúnez, Samuel Ochoa), Saturday, 10 p.m. ET, TeleFutura