Mexico

Apertura 2009 Preview: Group 2

Goal.com's Sylvestre Adame previews Group 2 of the upcoming Apertura 2009 season.

Jul 24, 2009 3:28:02 PM

Felipe Baloy y Alvaro Gonzalez- Monterrey vs Puebla (Mexsport)

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Felipe Baloy y Alvaro Gonzalez- Monterrey vs Puebla (Mexsport)

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Pachuca

Probably the biggest loss to Pachuca this season does not come from a player but rather a coach. Enrique “El Ojitos” Meza left the team in the offseason to repair a dismantled “Maquina”, Cruz Azul. Pachuca however reinforced their attack with the signing of Juan Carlos Cacho from Pumas. They also lost Jose Maria “Chema” Cardenas who played all but one game last season. Pachuca have kept its core players once again and with the guidance of new head coach Guillermo Rivarola, a trip to the Liguilla is more than sealed.

Jaguares

Jaguares had one of the best defenses last season. Edgar Hernandez came up big time after time only allowing 20 goals in the regular season. They had a few internal problems with in especially with Adolfo Bautista and Itamar Batista. The way things were going one of them had to leave this season and that man was Itamar. Jaguares did very little to bolster their attack only having Josiel Da Rocha as the most significant signing. Jaguares are still convinced that defense will win you games and it does. But down the stretch goals really matter and Jaguares will not have enough to make into the Liguilla.

Monterrey

Monterrey made it to the quarterfinal stages of the Liguilla last season only to be knocked out by a surprise team in Puebla. Monterrey also had a pretty good attack but the bulk of the work seems to always be done by Humberto Suazo. Monterrey though acquired Sergio Santana from Toluca to strengthen their attack and to help out Suazo. Monterrey also acquired veteran defender Duilio Davino from Puebla, who held his own last season. Monterrey did not help their cause this offseason the signings are not significant enough to make a difference. Monterrey will not make it into the Liguilla this season.

Puebla

Puebla came very close to making into the final last season. They lost out to Pumas in the finals minutes to be knocked out. Jose Luis Sanchez Sola is back as manager after openly admitting to leaving the club last season. “El Chelis” has kept busy running his mouth in the offseason. In total, 15 new players come in as reinforcements to Puebla. None of the new players are as recognized as the obvious pair that Puebla lost . Daniel Osorno and Duilio Davino will not be a part of Puebla in the Apertura. Puebla’s good fortune has come to an end. “El Chelis’” lack of control over his mouth will eventually cause the team problems. Puebla again will be in the bottom of the rungs for this season.

Morelia

Morelia once again had another dreadful season, but they will try to turn things around in the Apertura. Morelia did turn it up at the end of the season but just missed the Liguilla. “Las Monarcas” were expected to get someone else to help Miguel Sabah in the scoring department. They opted to bring back Luis Gabriel Rey, who played with Morelia from 2005-2007. They also signed Jorge Hernandez who was part of the 2005 U-17 Champion team. Hernandez only 20 has yet to make a name for himself after being signed by Barcelona a few years back. Morelia put little focus on the striker department which will ultimately hurt them in the Apertura. Morelia sneaks into the Liguilla but will have an early exit.

America

Las Aguilas seemed to make all the right moves in the offseason. They have strengthened their weakened defense and also took a lot of the load off Salvador Cabañas. America signed players like Aqivaldo Mosquera, Daniel Montenegro, and Adolfo Rosinei. Las Aguilas also got rid of some extra weight during the off season. The team’s good result in the World Football Challenge is a reflection of things to come. If America keeps the steady play they’ve been showing alive, they could no doubt be serious contenders in the final. Cuauhtémoc Blanco could also be making a return to America later in the season. America after so much drought will make it back into the Liguilla where they will be knocked off in the semifinal round.

Predicted Order of Finish:

1 Pachuca
2. America
3. Morelia
4.Monterrey
5. Jaguares
6. Puebla

Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

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