Mexico

Liguilla Preview: America vs. Monterrey

The high-flying Aguilas will play Monterrey, who enter the playoffs after a week of suffering alongside forward Aldo De Nigris and his family, following Antonio De Nigris' death.

Nov 19, 2009 10:26:20 AM

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Guillermo Ochoa- America (Mexsport)

Teams

Monterrey head into the playoffs with heavy hearts after former player Antonio De Nigris' death on the weekend. Younger brother Aldo De Nigris, one of Monterrey's more important players, said he would play in the series but whether the club can focus on America remains to be seen.

America, meanwhile, returned to the Liguilla for the first time since the Clausura 2007 season, perhaps not coincidentally the last time Cuauhtemoc Blanco played with the team. But America have finally moved past their shortcomings and pieced together a strong season.

AMERICA

Record: 8-3-6, 30 points. Goals scored: 29. Goals allowed: 16.

Key players: Aquivaldo Mosquera, Daniel Montenegro, Enrique Esqueda, Salvador Cabañas

Update: America turned the team around this season. Las Aguilas finally qualified after a two year drought. America started slow but then picked up speed and had impressive wins like the 7-2 pounding delivered to Toluca, and the 5-0 Massacre of Estudiantes. Things seemed great in America but as the season wore on the goals started to fade. In the end America won only two of their last seven games an scored a total of seven goals during that period.

Outlook: America certainly has the talent to take it all the way. Las Aguilas; however, have to go back to the style of play that made them great in the first half of the season. If they continue to play like they have then a first round exit would definitely be in store.

MONTERREY

Record: 9-5-3, 30 points. Goals scored: 27. Goals allowed: 16.

Key players: Humberto "Chupete" Suazo, Aldo De Nigris, Felipe Baloy, Jonathan Orozco.

Update: Monterrey were one of the two or three best teams in the league through Jornada 10, as the club had compiled a 7-1-2 record just past the midway point, but the team took a dip and lost three consecutive games. Monterrey's quality and danger, though, is still present. Suazo and De Nigris combined for seven goals and present a strong attack force while Baloy is a rock in defense. Midfielder Luis Perez, though, entered the postseason with an injury and his potential absence could hurt the club.

Outlook: With Perez not around to pull the string, it could be difficult for Monterrey to match up well in the midfield. But with Suazo around to provide offense, Monterrey are dangerous.

Apertura 2009 meeting: The two teams met in the penultimate match of the season, in Estadio Azteca. Needing a win to clinch a playoff spot, America did just that in a 1-0 triumph. Monterrey though attacked throughout the game and had America on their heels.

Sylvestre Adame and Luis Bueno, Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura playoffs, visit Goal.com.

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