FMF State Of Mind: FanPosts

El tri on espn?

2013-01-29T12:28:02Z

I just saw a comercial on espn 2 advertising the broadcast of mexico vs denmark friendly match on the english channel.They also created a little logo with el tri on espn written across a figure of mexican map also found out reading through another soccer blog that espn is also brodcasting tge World cup qualifying match versus Jamaica. Is the first time mexico is broadcast in english by itself without the US. being in the match.

Torta Tuesday: Jornada 10

2012-10-02T13:01:11Z

I decided to go with a Polynesian Torta this week for no other reason than its inherent deliciousness. This weekend's matches were quite good as well. We don't have too much time to relish in their loveliness however - Jornada 11 starts tonight. To aid in digestion, be sure to click on the header links for some semi-related movie clips. Buen provecho.

What's happening: Jornada 10 Results and Table:

Chiapas 1 - 0 Cruz Azul ... I won't be the whiny Cruz Azul fan any more. I will only say that a Cruz Azul player scored the only goal of the match (in to the wrong net).

Leon 2 - 0 Monterrey ... Leon took target practice at Jonathan Orozco in this match. Orozco held up pretty well, but with the sheer volume of shots a few were bound to go in over time.

America 1 - 1 Morelia ... Kind of an "eh" match. Nothing super impressive from either side. A draw was a a fitting result.

Queretaro 0 - 1 Tijuana ... Tijuana were down to ten men early in the second half. It didn't matter.

Tigres 0 - 0 San Luis ... Not to get all "I told you so" about this, but I'm just so happy I finally got something correct. I may throw myself a parade. Anyway, this was more of a solid defensive effort from both teams than failing offense.

Pachuca 1 - 0 Chivas ... Pachuca converted their penalty kick. Chivas ... not so much (again).

Atlas 1 - 3 Toluca ... Toluca continues to impress. Maybe they really can do something in the playoffs.

Pumas 2- 1 Puebla ... An uninspired performance from both teams in the first half. Pumas came out for the second on fire and took control of the game. It's unclear if Puebla ever made it out of the locker room from halftime.

Atlante 1 - 3 Santos ... Not a lot of great defending on display in this one. Plenty of chances on each end.No Esteban Paredes for Atlante means they convert fewer of their chances.

Who's the big winner?: Enrique Meza

Road wins are always great. They're even better when they secure your spot at the top of the table. Toluca traveled to the Estadio Jalisco and dropped the boom on Atlas this weekend. Scoring three in any match is impressive, but even more so against the stout defense of Atlas. Meza ended last season being sent out of Cruz Azul to a shower of trash. Now he is sitting on top of the table with Toluca. The turnaround was indeed severe, but it appears as if it may last.

The midfield combination of Wilson Tiago, Lucas Silva, and Antonio 'Sinha' Naelson creates a solid formation of stability for Toluca. Their wins are anything but fluky and their play remains consistent. With big road wins like this one, they seem to be staking their claim as serious title contenders. The icing on the cake for this match ... Meza gets a win over his nemesis, Tomas Boy. Always a good thing.

Show me, Paint the Fence: John Van't Schip

Chivas have had a rough go of it the last couple of weeks. On the pitch, they aren't getting the results they need and off of it they are locking players out of their training grounds. John Van't Schip was undoubtedly taking over a tough situation when he agreed to become the Chivas manager. The owner isclearly insane. Fan expectation continues to be at the highest level even though results haven't followed. The locker room gives off a real fried chicken and beer clubhouse kind of a vibe. As managers have been fired with every cycle of the moon, there has been a complete lack of consistency in direction. Van't Schip, under the guidance of Johan Cruyff, have assumed a difficult task.
That being said, in addition to all that he has to deal with, Van't Schip may need to get creative when it comes to his team instruction. Chivas have dropped a likely four points over the past two weeks by way of missed penalty kicks near the end of matches. Like shooting free throws, more practice doesn't necessarily translate into a better conversion rate. This is especially true in high pressure situations, like the end of a game, where they are very much do or die. They can take on more of a mental aspect. Hence, Van't Schip may need to look to Mr. Miyagi for inspiration. Perhaps he could find a way to break down the steps of taking a penalty kick successfully into menial tasks around the training grounds. Perhaps they can flatten aluminum cans or tightly secure door jambs. Van't Schip-san could probably figure out something better.

Goal of the Week: Luis Montes, Leon

There were plenty of great goals to choose from this week. On any other week, Sergio Napoles's strike (at the 3:00 mark) for Atlante would be the one singled out, but there's too much competition this week. The two goals that Leon scored were pretty incredible. The hard angle and sheer power of Hernan Burbano's goal were impressive, but the top prize goes to Luis Montes this week. Admittedly, I'm a sucker for the volley. Montes came at the ball with pace and struck it perfectly into the corner. But with the difficulty of the shot aside, the build-up to the goal was well executed also. Leon earned a great victory at home over Monterrey and it was plays like this that typified their performance.

He'll be alright in a couple of minutes: Aldo Polo

Aldo Polo came on for Puebla during the 85th minute of his team's losing performance against Pumas on Sunday. Normally he would not get much mention along with the highlights of the week's action, but I feel that his performance deserves some special recognition. Polo was highly efficient with his playing time. Within a minute of being on the pitch, he got in a harsh challenge on Martin Bravo, received a yellow card, and got a swift kick to the head. It was quite a welcome to the match.

Predictions: Jornada 11 Schedule and Predictions

Tuesday, October 2

8:00 ET - Chivas v Tigres ... I keep thinking Chivas are on the verge of turning things around, but they continue to find ways to lose. I'm off the bandwagon. Tigres win 1-0.

9:30 ET - San Luis v America ... San Luis are doing more with much less than most teams. This is a bandwagon that I plan on riding out. San Luis wins 2-1.

Wednesday, October 3

8:00 ET - Cruz Azul v Atlante ... Five home matches and five draws. I see no reason to go another way with this one. 1-1 draw.

8:00 ET - Puebla v Pachuca ... I don't trust Pachuca nor do I trust their manager. Going for a bit of an upset in this one. Puebla wins 3-2.

8:00 ET - Toluca v Queretaro ... Toluca has seven wins and Queretaro has none. Playing the numbers here. Toluca wins 2-0.

9:00 ET - Santos v Atlas ... The one thing Atlas had going for them was their ability to keep the score low. After giving up three to Toluca this weekend, I can't pick against them fast enough. Santos win 2-1.

9:36 ET - Leon v Pumas ... Leon just laid waste Monterrey on Friday. I see no reason why they shouldn't do the same to Pumas. Leon win 2-0.

10:00 ET- Monterrey v Tijuana ... Most doubted Tijuana when they went to the Tec in the Liguilla this past spring, including myself. No one is now, including myself. Tijuana win 2-1.

Thursday, October 4

9:30 ET - Morelia v Chiapas ... I'm going with a Morelia statement win in this one. Not totally sure why. Morelia win 3-0.

What's happening: Jornada 10 Results and Table:

Chiapas 1 - 0 Cruz Azul ... I won't be the whiny Cruz Azul fan any more. I will only say that a Cruz Azul player scored the only goal of the match (in to the wrong net).

Leon 2 - 0 Monterrey ... Leon took target practice at Jonathan Orozco in this match. Orozco held up pretty well, but with the sheer volume of shots a few were bound to go in over time.

America 1 - 1 Morelia ... Kind of an "eh" match. Nothing super impressive from either side. A draw was a a fitting result.

Queretaro 0 - 1 Tijuana ... Tijuana were down to ten men early in the second half. It didn't matter.

Pachuca 1 - 0 Chivas ... Pachuca converted their penalty kick. Chivas ... not so much (again).

Atlas 1 - 3 Toluca ... Toluca continues to impress. Maybe they really can do something in the playoffs.

Atlante 1 - 3 Santos ... Not a lot of great defending on display in this one. Plenty of chances on each end.No Esteban Paredes for Atlante means they convert fewer of their chances.

Who's the big winner?: Enrique Meza

Show me, Paint the Fence: John Van't Schip

Goal of the Week: Luis Montes, Leon

He'll be alright in a couple of minutes: Aldo Polo

Predictions: Jornada 11 Schedule and Predictions

Tuesday, October 2

8:00 ET - Chivas v Tigres ... I keep thinking Chivas are on the verge of turning things around, but they continue to find ways to lose. I'm off the bandwagon. Tigres win 1-0.

9:30 ET - San Luis v America ... San Luis are doing more with much less than most teams. This is a bandwagon that I plan on riding out. San Luis wins 2-1.

Wednesday, October 3

8:00 ET - Cruz Azul v Atlante ... Five home matches and five draws. I see no reason to go another way with this one. 1-1 draw.

8:00 ET - Puebla v Pachuca ... I don't trust Pachuca nor do I trust their manager. Going for a bit of an upset in this one. Puebla wins 3-2.

8:00 ET - Toluca v Queretaro ... Toluca has seven wins and Queretaro has none. Playing the numbers here. Toluca wins 2-0.

9:36 ET - Leon v Pumas ... Leon just laid waste Monterrey on Friday. I see no reason why they shouldn't do the same to Pumas. Leon win 2-0.

10:00 ET- Monterrey v Tijuana ... Most doubted Tijuana when they went to the Tec in the Liguilla this past spring, including myself. No one is now, including myself. Tijuana win 2-1.

Thursday, October 4

9:30 ET - Morelia v Chiapas ... I'm going with a Morelia statement win in this one. Not totally sure why. Morelia win 3-0.

Quiniela Results for LigaMX Jornada 10

2012-10-01T04:53:35Z

GAME RESULTS...
Chiapas 1-0 CruzAzul
Leon 2-0 Monterrey
America 1-1 Morelia
Queretaro 0-1 Tijuana
Pachuca 1-0 Chivas
Tigres 0-0 SanLuis
Atlas 1-3 Toluca
Pumas 2-1 Puebla
Atlante 1-3 Santos

Entrants who made
exact-score predictions:
QTO-TIJ--JasonM,Nooblet
PAC-CVS--OSweet
TIG-SLU--OSweet
ATE-STS--OSweet

SCORES:

222 – OSweet (7/9)
197 – Martha (6/9)
143 – Hector (5/9)
140 – Rafa (5/9)
126 – JasonMarquitz (4/9)
122 – Mac (4/9)
121 – Adriana (4/9)
111 – David (4/9)
108 – Nacho (4/9)
108 – Marisa (4/9)
104 – Kary (4/9)
101 – Joserra (4/9)
93 – Felipe (3/9)
92 – Nooblet (3/9)
89 – Angel (3/9)
85 – Ciro (3/9)
80 – Beto (3/9)
79 – Geo (3/9)
72 – Graciela (3/9)

On left is your score, in parentheses is your number of correct picks. The scoring system gives varying points for each correct pick, based on game odds, and is designed to make the average score 100. So getting a score more than 100 means you did well. A perfect (9/9) would've got 286 points.Included are picks from the experts at

CHAMP LIST:
J10: OSweet, 222
J9: Ciro, 180
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

GAME RESULTS...
Chiapas 1-0 CruzAzul
Leon 2-0 Monterrey
America 1-1 Morelia
Queretaro 0-1 Tijuana
Pachuca 1-0 Chivas
Tigres 0-0 SanLuis
Atlas 1-3 Toluca
Pumas 2-1 Puebla
Atlante 1-3 Santos

Entrants who made
exact-score predictions:
QTO-TIJ--JasonM,Nooblet
PAC-CVS--OSweet
TIG-SLU--OSweet
ATE-STS--OSweet

SCORES:
222 – OSweet (7/9)
197 – Martha (6/9)
143 – Hector (5/9)
140 – Rafa (5/9)
126 – JasonMarquitz (4/9)
122 – Mac (4/9)
121 – Adriana (4/9)
111 – David (4/9)
108 – Nacho (4/9)
108 – Marisa (4/9)
104 – Kary (4/9)
101 – Joserra (4/9)
93 – Felipe (3/9)
92 – Nooblet (3/9)
89 – Angel (3/9)
85 – Ciro (3/9)
80 – Beto (3/9)
79 – Geo (3/9)
72 – Graciela (3/9)

CHAMP LIST:
J10: OSweet, 222
J9: Ciro, 180
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Quiniela, anyone? For LigaMX - Jornada 10

2012-09-27T03:12:43Z

Friday, Sept. 28 thru Sunday, Sep. 30

9 GAMES:
Chiapas v. Cruz Azul (33/37/31)
Leon v. Monterrey (26/38/40)
America v. Morelia (24/39/45)
Queretaro v. Tijuana (41/38/25)
Pachuca v. Chivas (29/37/36)
Tigres v. San Luis (18/46/85)
Atlas v. Toluca (32/37/32)
Pumas v. Puebla (21/40/54)
Atlante v. Santos (28/38/35)

How-to: In the comments, predict the result (winner/empate) for each game. Also, predict the scores if you want.
In parentheses are the points, based on game-betting odds, you'll get for each correct prediction (Home/Empate/Away). Correctly picking underdogs (See San Luis, above) gets more points. Scoring system is designed to produce an average score of 100; so the basic goal is to get at least 100 points.
Deadline is Friday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific/California time, when the first game kicks off.

CHAMP LIST:
J9: Ciro, 180
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Friday, Sept. 28 thru Sunday, Sep. 30

9 GAMES:
Chiapas v. Cruz Azul (33/37/31)
Leon v. Monterrey (26/38/40)
America v. Morelia (24/39/45)
Queretaro v. Tijuana (41/38/25)
Pachuca v. Chivas (29/37/36)
Tigres v. San Luis (18/46/85)
Atlas v. Toluca (32/37/32)
Pumas v. Puebla (21/40/54)
Atlante v. Santos (28/38/35)

CHAMP LIST:
J9: Ciro, 180
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Torta Tuesday: Jornada 9

2012-09-25T16:34:16Z

It wasn't a great weekend for travelers. Home teams were undefeated this week (albeit with only three wins). With this in mind (and/or laziness), I stayed close to home and went with the torta stand closest to my apartment. It's not the best quality but it gets the job done. Again, much like the home teams.
Sandwiched between last week's results and next week's predictions are hopefully some tasty bits. Don't forget to click on the header links and enjoy.

What's happening: Jornada 9 Results and Table:

Puebla 1 - 1 Leon ... Not a ton of action in this one. Edgar Hernandez let in a pretty soft goal to give Puebla the equalizer in the 67th minute.

Morelia 1 - 1 Tigres ... Morelia were probably the better team on the day, but scoring on Tigres never comes easy.

Cruz Azul 1 - 1 America ... Cruz Azul played pretty well in this one; America not so much. Leaving Chucho Benitez with acres of space to work can level things pretty quickly.

Monterrey 3 - 2 Queretaro ... Monterrey were dangerously close to failing to get three points from a home matchup with relegation-bound Queretaro. The Rayados could normally turn it on when they need to. Although, I wouldn't count on it this season.

Santos 0 - 0 Chiapas ... Probably should have been some goals here, but the collection of shots madeApe Lincoln look like a good finish.

San Luis 1 - 0 Pachuca ... Verdict still out on the Hugo Sanchez project. Not exactly a resumé match, this one.

Tijuana 1 - 1 Atlas ... Tijuana amassed twenty-three shots but equaled Atlas in quality chances. Whether on the road or at home, it's never easy to score on Atlas.

Toluca 1- 0 Atlante ... Atlante did not look good on Sunday. Toluca could/should have scored a few more.

Chivas 0 - 0 Pumas ... A pretty entertaining scoreless draw. Plenty of solid scoring opportunities and plenty of botched chances ... the most notable being Luis Perez hitting the post on a stoppage time penalty for Chivas.

Who's the big winner?: Anti-soccer blowhards

This week's nine games combined for a total of fifteen goals. A third of those came from the Monterrey-Queretaro match. That leaves ten goals for the remaining eight matches. Six of the nine games ended in a draw. So, there was a bunch of low scoring ties. Not exactly winning over soccer converts this weekend. Ridiculous soccer bashers in the States love to use the lack of goals as a symptom of the inferiority of the sport (if they even consider it one). Not to mention the disdain that so many have for draws. This weekend's Liga MX results provided them with plenty of ammunition. Luckily, the chances that soccer haters are paying attention to anything that is going in Mexico are pretty slim.

Goal of the Week: Hector Mancilla, Atlas

Prior to this match, I would have bet my left arm (it's just for show anyway) that Atlas would be unable to score in the Estadio Caliente (in the hopes of winning a third arm, of course). Mancilla's goal was not only a surprise due to the matchup, but the sheer improbability of this shot finding its way to the net. Mancilla was absolutely surrounded by a posse of Tijuana defenders. Yet, somehow he nicked the ball through the forest of Xolos and past, the on fire, Cirilo Saucedo. This was only the second goal scored by an opponent in Tijuana this season. Hats off to Mancilla.

Take dead aim on the rich ones. Get them in the cross hairs, and take them down: San Luis over Pachuca

Is this the best speech ever? I'd say it's top five for sure. San Luis likely agrees. Grupo Pachuca, owner of both Pachuca and Leon, spent some serious cash this summer. Leon, making the jump to Liga MX, were infused with new signings to bolster the roster. Pachuca was probably the biggest spender this offseason. They brought in expensive signings that they probably didn't need while signing a manager who commands a huge salary. Meanwhile their super-talented youth products are having a harder time getting on the pitch. They have all the makings of a team that spends simply because they can. Not to mention the richest man in the world just bought a 30% stake in the company.

San Luis doesn't quite have the same spending power. They are currently fighting off relegation using a collection of cast-offs and has-beens. While Pachuca splashed the cash this summer, San Luis secured as many loan deals as they could to fill out the squad. Their duct-taped roster continues to get the job done, however. Now with two straight wins over Pumas and Pachuca, San Luis are distancing themselves from the bottom of the table. It won't be getting any easier for them this coming weekend, as they will be heading to Monterrey to face Tigres.

I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal: 'Chucho' Benitez

Chucho Benitez has probably been the most recognized goal scoring threat in Liga MX for the past several years. Despite this Cruz Azul played the Christina Applegate role and acted as if they had never heard of him before. In a matter of minutes, the Cruz Azul defense left Chucho unmarked twice. Both times Benitez was one-on-one with Cruz Azul keeper, Jesus Corona. Corona made a huge save (or more accurately a series of them) on the first attempt. The Cruz Azul defense refused to learn from this and allowed nearly the same play moments later. This time Benitez was able to find the back of the net. Also, he has many leather-bound books.

Predictions: Jornada 10 Schedule and Predictions

Friday, September 28

8:30 ET - Chiapas v Cruz Azul ... Chiapas have turned their season around a bit after a disastrous start. I want to be optimistic about Cruz Azul in this one, but it's not working. 1-1 draw.

10:30 ET - Leon v Monterrey ... Monterrey just don't look right. Leon with a big win 2-1.

Saturday, September 29

6:00 ET - America v Morelia ... America should rebound from their mediocre performance last week. America win 2-0.

6:00 ET - Queretaro v Tijuana ... Queretaro haven't been completely horrific of late. I still won't be picking them. Tijuana win 1-0.

8:00 ET - Tigres v San Luis ... San Luis is a tough out every week. I'm going for the surprising draw in this one (possibly Bill Murray inspired). 1-1.

8:00 ET - Pachuca v Chivas ... Still not convinced this Pachuca team is any good. Big road win for Chivas here, 2-0.

10:00 ET - Atlas v Toluca ... Atlas have scored two goals in their last four matches; Toluca have scored three. They've each allowed four over that span. There won't be many goals in this one, if any. 0-0 draw.

Sunday, September 30

1:00 ET - Pumas v Puebla ... Pumas are 1-0-3 at home thus far, with their lone win coming against Queretaro. I'm going to ride the trend and say Puebla get a big 3 points. Puebla win 1-0.

6:00 ET - Atlante v Santos ... Anyone have Atlante and Santos with the same number of goals scored (nine) through 9 weeks? Yeah, I didn't think so. 2-2 draw in this one.

Quiniela Results for LigaMX Jornada 9

2012-09-24T18:12:11Z

GAME RESULTS...
+ entrants who made
exact-score predictions:
Puebla 1-1 Leon--JasonM,Jefesito
Morelia 1-1 Tigres--OSweet,Nooblet
CruzAzul 1-1 America
Monterrey 3-2 Queretaro
SanLuis 1-0 Pachuca
Santos 0-0 Chiapas
Tijuana 1-1 Atlas
Toluca 1-0 Atlante--Nooblet
Chivas 0-0 Pumas--Nooblet

SCORES:

180 – Ciro (5/9)
176 – Joserra (5/9)
174 – Beto (5/9)
159 – Angel (5/9)
158 – Rafa (4/9)
154 – Marisa (5/9)
142 – Felipe (4/9)
137 – Nooblet (4/9)
122 – Graciela (4/9)
119 – Nacho (3/9)
115 – Jefesito (4/9)
105 – Kary (4/9)
104 – David (3/9)
104 – Hector (3/9)
103 – Martha (3/9)
98 – Adriana (4/9)
76 – Geo (3/9)
60 – OSweet (2/9)
55 – JasonMarquitz (2/9)
55 – ChrisMurtagh (2/9)
37 – Mac (2/9)

CHAMP LIST:

J9: Ciro, 180
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

GAME RESULTS...
+ entrants who made
exact-score predictions:
Puebla 1-1 Leon--JasonM,Jefesito
Morelia 1-1 Tigres--OSweet,Nooblet
CruzAzul 1-1 America
Monterrey 3-2 Queretaro
SanLuis 1-0 Pachuca
Santos 0-0 Chiapas
Tijuana 1-1 Atlas
Toluca 1-0 Atlante--Nooblet
Chivas 0-0 Pumas--Nooblet

SCORES:
180 – Ciro (5/9)
176 – Joserra (5/9)
174 – Beto (5/9)
159 – Angel (5/9)
158 – Rafa (4/9)
154 – Marisa (5/9)
142 – Felipe (4/9)
137 – Nooblet (4/9)
122 – Graciela (4/9)
119 – Nacho (3/9)
115 – Jefesito (4/9)
105 – Kary (4/9)
104 – David (3/9)
104 – Hector (3/9)
103 – Martha (3/9)
98 – Adriana (4/9)
76 – Geo (3/9)
60 – OSweet (2/9)
55 – JasonMarquitz (2/9)
55 – ChrisMurtagh (2/9)
37 – Mac (2/9)

CHAMP LIST:
J9: Ciro, 180
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Quiniela – LigaMX – Jornada 9

2012-09-20T01:34:58Z

Points based on
these percentage odds:
Puebla v. Leon (31/28/41)
Morelia v. Tigres (39/29/32)
Cruz Azul v. America (41/28/31)
Monterrey v. Queretaro (69/20/11)
San Luis v. Pachuca (36/29/35)
Santos v. Chiapas (53/26/21)
Tijuana v. Atlas (49/28/23)
Toluca v. Atlante (51/27/22)
Chivas v. Pumas (40/29/31)

9 Games:

Puebla v. Leon (36/39/27)
Morelia v. Tigres (28/38/35)
Cruz Azul v. America (27/39/36)
Monterrey v. Queretaro (16/54/101)
San Luis v. Pachuca (31/38/32)
Santos v. Chiapas (21/43/52)
Tijuana v. Atlas (22/40/49)
Toluca v. Atlante (22/40/49)
Chivas v. Pumas (28/38/36)

In the comments, predict the result (winner/empate) for each game. Also, predict the scores if you want. In parentheses are the points, based on game-betting odds, you'll get for each correct prediction (Home/Empate/Away). Correctly picking underdogs (See Queretaro, above) gets more points. Basic goal is to get at least 100 points. Deadline is Friday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific/California time, when the first game kicks off.

CHAMP LIST:

J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Points based on
these percentage odds:
Puebla v. Leon (31/28/41)
Morelia v. Tigres (39/29/32)
Cruz Azul v. America (41/28/31)
Monterrey v. Queretaro (69/20/11)
San Luis v. Pachuca (36/29/35)
Santos v. Chiapas (53/26/21)
Tijuana v. Atlas (49/28/23)
Toluca v. Atlante (51/27/22)
Chivas v. Pumas (40/29/31)

9 Games:
Puebla v. Leon (36/39/27)
Morelia v. Tigres (28/38/35)
Cruz Azul v. America (27/39/36)
Monterrey v. Queretaro (16/54/101)
San Luis v. Pachuca (31/38/32)
Santos v. Chiapas (21/43/52)
Tijuana v. Atlas (22/40/49)
Toluca v. Atlante (22/40/49)
Chivas v. Pumas (28/38/36)

CHAMP LIST:
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Torta Tuesday: Jornada 8

2012-09-18T18:35:41Z

In honor of Tijuana's ascent to the top spot in the table, I went with the Frontera Torta (The Border Torta). As always, the headings are links to movie clips that (sometimes very loosely) allude to an aspect of this past week's results. Buen provecho.

That's How Winning is Done: Chivas

John Van't Schip clearly took a page from the Jurgen Klinsmann playbook and brought out the motivational speech for Chivas's road test against Leon. Either he played this clip from the newest Rocky movie or flew in Sly to deliver it himself. Neither would surprise me. Chivas were thoroughly manhandled by Leon for the majority of the match. Leon created a wealth of goal scoring opportunities but were unable to finish them. Chivas were also hit with several setbacks that made things much more difficult. They lost Marco Fabian to injury within the first minutes of the match. Xavi Baez received an absolutely ridiculous red card in the 33rd minute. If anything, Baez was fouled on the play. Down a man and without possibly their best player, Chivas kept fighting. Luis Michel had a great game in goal and Chivas were able to hang around. However, things looked bleak when Leon were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute. Leon with a goal and man advantage and about twenty minutes remaining seemed to be a lock. But the tide turned dramatically in the final ten minutes. Leon received their own ridiculous red card in the 80th minute, leveling the sides again. Two minutes later, 'Chaton' Enriquez, once again, got his head on to the ball and scored the equalizer. Then, in stoppage time Rafa Marquez Lugo unleashed his aforementioned free kick into the corner of the goal. Van't Schip and Chivas need to get a ton of credit for this one. They had little reason to hope for a victory in this match, but they continued to work. Chivas teams of the past have been known to quit or commit silly fouls when they are down. They would need no excuses after this one. That's how winning is done.

That's How Winning is Done: Chivas

Quiniela results for LigaMX Jornada 8

2012-09-17T01:58:32Z

SCORES:
170 – Marisa (4/9)
169 – Hector (5/9)
141 – Jefesito (4/9)
139 – Martha (4/9)
120 – OSweet (4/9)
110 – Rafa (4/9)
104 – Adriana (4/9)
90 – Nooblet (3/9)
84 – Angel (3/9)
74 – Graciela (2/9)
55 – Nacho (2/9)
55 – Geo (2/9)
50 – Joserra (2/9)
49 – Chris Murtagh (2/9)
49 – Mac (2/9)
29 – Kary (1/9)
26 – JasonMarquitz (1/9)
26 – Ciro (1/9)
26 – David (1/9)
25 – Felipe (1/9)
25 – Beto (1/9)

On left is your score, tweaked so expected average is 100. System gives varying points for each correct pick, based on game odds. Over 100 means if betting you'd have won $$. Less than 100 you'd have lost. A perfect (9/9) would've got 327 points. Also, to round out the scores, included are picks by the 'experts' at espndeportes, from here and here.

GAME RESULTS:
Chiapas 2-0 Toluca
Pachuca 3-2 Morelia
Leon 1-2 Chivas
America 2-0 Santos
Tigres 2-0 Cruz Azul
Atlas 0-0 Queretaro--Jefesito
Puebla 2-3 Monterrey
Pumas 0-1 San Luis
Atlante 1-2 Tijuana

CHAMP LIST:
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

SCORES:
170 – Marisa (4/9)
169 – Hector (5/9)
141 – Jefesito (4/9)
139 – Martha (4/9)
120 – OSweet (4/9)
110 – Rafa (4/9)
104 – Adriana (4/9)
90 – Nooblet (3/9)
84 – Angel (3/9)
74 – Graciela (2/9)
55 – Nacho (2/9)
55 – Geo (2/9)
50 – Joserra (2/9)
49 – Chris Murtagh (2/9)
49 – Mac (2/9)
29 – Kary (1/9)
26 – JasonMarquitz (1/9)
26 – Ciro (1/9)
26 – David (1/9)
25 – Felipe (1/9)
25 – Beto (1/9)

GAME RESULTS:
Chiapas 2-0 Toluca
Pachuca 3-2 Morelia
Leon 1-2 Chivas
America 2-0 Santos
Tigres 2-0 Cruz Azul
Atlas 0-0 Queretaro--Jefesito
Puebla 2-3 Monterrey
Pumas 0-1 San Luis
Atlante 1-2 Tijuana

CHAMP LIST:
J8: Marisa, 170
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Quiniela, anyone? (For LigaMX, Jornada 8)

2012-09-13T05:03:52Z

9 games...

Chiapas v. Toluca (30/39/32)
Pachuca v. Morelia (29/39/33)
Leon v. Chivas (22/41/49)
America v. Santos (25/40/40)
Tigres v. Cruz Azul (24/39/45)
Atlas v. Queretaro (19/45/71)
Puebla v. Monterrey (39/39/26)
Pumas v. San Luis (20/42/59)
Atlante v. Tijuana (25/39/40)

Deadline is Friday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific/California time, when the first game kicks off.

CHAMP LIST:
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

9 games...

Chiapas v. Toluca (30/39/32)
Pachuca v. Morelia (29/39/33)
Leon v. Chivas (22/41/49)
America v. Santos (25/40/40)
Tigres v. Cruz Azul (24/39/45)
Atlas v. Queretaro (19/45/71)
Puebla v. Monterrey (39/39/26)
Pumas v. San Luis (20/42/59)
Atlante v. Tijuana (25/39/40)

Deadline is Friday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific/California time, when the first game kicks off.

CHAMP LIST:
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Points based on these percentage odds:

Chiapas v. Toluca (37/28/35)
Pachuca v. Morelia (38/28/34)
Leon v. Chivas (50/27/23)
America v. Santos (45/27/28)
Tigres v. Cruz Azul (47/28/25)
Atlas v. Queretaro (59/25/16)
Puebla v. Monterrey (29/28/43)
Pumas v. San Luis (55/26/19)
Atlante v. Tijuana (44/28/28)

Torta Tuesday: Jornada 7

2012-09-05T18:00:11Z

via www.soccermexicana.com

I've made the unwise decision to eat a torta while writing this column. The pictured torta is the one I just took down (chile relleno topped with manchego and chorizo). Side effects of this new process are currently unknown. However, I wouldn't be surprised if the end of this column becomes garbled gibberish as I gently slip in to a food coma.

Who's the big winner?: Tijuana

I'll be the first to admit, I've been a doubter of the Xolos. I was totally on board with Antonio Mohammed last season and the way he had his team playing. However, I fully anticipated some regression this season as the league caught up to their style of play and the first year buzz wore off. This has not been the case as Tijuana are currently in great form and looking like a real danger come Liguilla time.

While a win over Chiapas at home is nothing to get overly excited about, this is exactly the type of matchup a pretender would have slipped up with. Tijuana continues to take care of business and sits in second place in the league. Not too shabby for the Xolos.

Read the remainder at Soccer Mexicana

via www.soccermexicana.com

Who's the big winner?: Tijuana

Read the remainder at Soccer Mexicana

Liga MX Balón de Oro Awards, Clausura 2012

2012-09-05T06:13:15Z

Yesterday the Clausura 2012 awards were celebrated at the Auditorio Plaza Condesa in México City.

The award ceremony started right away. José María Basanta was named the best central defender.

Chema Basanta said, "I want to share this with my teammate Hiram Mier, the board, and specially my dad. Thank you all so much".

Monterrey also won the fair play award.

José de Jesús Corona won the award for the best Goalkeeper. He congratulated all the nominees and thanked his family.

Afterwards the hosts Francisco Javier González and Jorge Sánchez congratulated the youth tournament champions: Monterrey U 13 champions, Pachuca U 15, Guadalajara U 17, and América U 20 (Hell yeah!, the young aguilas have won the tournament 4 times in a row now).

The awards celebration continued with the award for the 2012 Clausura's top goalscorers, Iván Alonso and Christian Benítez. Alonso said, "I want to thank professor Héctor Eugui who trusted in me, my family because without them it would've been impossible, and last, to let you know that I haven't given up, I still dream and hope to keep playing football". Grande Iván Alonso. Hopefully he is now healthy and keeps playing football. Tu puedes campeon!. Shame on Toluca's board for not supporting Iván Alonso.

The best attacking midfielder award was Lucas Lobos who said it was a privilege to be nominated with his professional teammates Daniel Ludueña and Christian Giménez (really?, wasn't Chaco injured for most of the time last tournament?). Next, Marvin Torrentera was awarded as the best assistant referee.

Afterwards, Iván Estrada was awarded as the best right back. Guti said, "Good night everyone, I want to thank God, the whole Santos Laguna family, they're awesome teammates on the pitch and my family who is the motor that keeps me going". Not sure if Guti was truly the best RB of last tournament. Severo Meza and Jorge Torres Nilo both had an outstanding season as well.

The Superlider Santos Laguna was acknowledged. Captain Oswaldo Sánchez received the award, and mentioned that they managed to be champions after all the finals they lost based on hard work and team work.

Next it was the youngsters turn to be awarded. Marco Bueno from Pachuca and 2011 U 17 World champion was named as the Clausura 2012 best rookie. After receiving his award Bueno said, " Many thanks, I want to thank my club for giving me the opportunity to debut, for all the support they give me, to my parents who are always there for me. It's a very exciting and emotive feeling. I want to congratulate my U 20 national team teammates."

why the hell you don't give the kid playing time Ego?, he needs to play!

Then Juan Pablo Rodríguez was awarded as the best defensive midfielder. Chatite Rodríguez said, "I want to thank everyone who voted for me, I dedicate this for the board, mi teammates, the utility men, the doctors, who are behind of us. I want to thank my family so much too".

Luis Otavio Duarte was awarded as the best fitness coach.

As time passed the award for the best forward of the 2012 Clausura arrived. Oribe Peralta won the award. El Cepillo said, "I want to thank my wife, my kids, my teammates, and the great institution that Santos Laguna is".

Then Roberto García Orozco was awarded as the tournament's referee. García Orozco represented México at the London Olympic games.

Next it was the coaches turn to be awarded. Benjamín Galindo was named as the Clausura 2012 best coach. He said," This a great time of happiness, I've fought so hard too many years for this, I had the best in front of me and I learned from them. I don't the other nominees like rivals, I see them like role models and I wish them the best. I share this award with my family."

One of the most emotive moments of the ceremony was the acknowledgment of two greats sporting commentators: Don Ángel Fernández y Don Fernando Marcos. Another sports commentator, Jorge "Che" Ventura who knew and work with them said, "Don Fernando was an authority in the sports subject, a man of football, he was everything in this sport, controversial by essence and resources, permanently orientated by his vast culture; the other marked a before and after, with particular styles, he baptized football as the man game, he illuminated it with phrases like: "Those of you who like and love football", he was a charitable and charismatic person like no other".

Just before the end of the ceremony, there was the time to applause them once again, the heroes of this time and way before, the unforgettable Mexican Olympic champions. Onto the stage were: Jesús Corona, Darvin Chávez, Oribe Peralta e Hiram Mier, accompanied by Justino Compeán, President of the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol; Luis Fernando Tena, Head coach; and Héctor González Iñárritu, General director of the Selecciones Nacionales.

The Olympic champions were awarded with a diploma. Decio de María Serrano president of the Liga MX, acknowledged and awarded the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol for it's 85th anniversary. Justino Compeán at the time of receiving it said: " I've had this great privilege, this great honor, it was 6th years now that there was a team that is continuing and keeps working working with dedication for the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol and shares this 85 years".

Meanwhile, Luis Fernando Tena said: "Thank all of you, la Federación, José Manuel de la Torre for thrusting in us for this project, a coaching staff very wide in quality and quantity. Especially the most important ones, the players who gave their life in each ball. A dedication for my wife, my sons and my mother, thank you so much".

To conclude the Liga MX tribute for the London champions, Héctor González Iñárritu said, "Thanks Liga MX, the players, the clubs, the coaches, they're doing a great job with the youth teams, we're privileged because we pick up the work you do. We're having now more high standards, always with values, respect and discipline. Thank you."

The ceremony came to an end with the award for Oribe Peralta chosen as the Clausura 2012 best player. "Cepillo" went onto the scenario once again and thanked the distinction. The assistants chose it that way, he was vital for Santos championship.

And to close the ceremony, the whole Lagunero club went on to receive the applauses of the Mexican football family. Standing, the Guerreros were acknowledged with their crown. Their president Alejandro Irarragorri took the time to thank all the "17 teams who help them become better each and every game".

The ceremony ended, not without first that the Campaña Rosa en favor de la concientización y prevención del Cáncer de Mama is going to be back. The pink ball is going to be used once again, Mexican football is going to use that color the month of October as it is already a tradition and always a responsibility the football of our country.

Yesterday the Clausura 2012 awards were celebrated at the Auditorio Plaza Condesa in México City.

The award ceremony started right away. José María Basanta was named the best central defender.

Chema Basanta said, "I want to share this with my teammate Hiram Mier, the board, and specially my dad. Thank you all so much".

Monterrey also won the fair play award.

José de Jesús Corona won the award for the best Goalkeeper. He congratulated all the nominees and thanked his family.

why the hell you don't give the kid playing time Ego?, he needs to play!

Luis Otavio Duarte was awarded as the best fitness coach.

Then Roberto García Orozco was awarded as the tournament's referee. García Orozco represented México at the London Olympic games.

CONCACAF Club Rankings

2012-09-04T14:14:10Z

This site (CONCACAF Club Rankings) ranks the CONCACAF clubs. I would be interested to see what everyone's thoughts are on how legit the rankings are? It looks like its based on each clubs points in their respective league. Mexican clubs dominate the Top 25, so it seems like it could be right. These are the Top 5 clubs:

1.) Toluca

2.) Tijuana

3.) Cruz Azul

4.) Leon

5.) Morelia

Like I said before, Mexican clubs dominate the rankings, but there are some Costa Rican, MLS, and other leagues sprinkled in there.

What are your thoughts on the rankings?

1.) Toluca

2.) Tijuana

3.) Cruz Azul

4.) Leon

5.) Morelia

Like I said before, Mexican clubs dominate the rankings, but there are some Costa Rican, MLS, and other leagues sprinkled in there.

What are your thoughts on the rankings?

Quiniela results for LigaMX Jornada 7

2012-09-03T03:07:49Z

188 – Adriana (6/9)
183 – Beto (6/9)
161 – Jefesito (5/9)
156 – Graciela (5/9)
156 – Ciro (5/9)
148 – ChrisMurtagh (5/9)
148 – Geo (5/9)
145 – Martha (5/9)
144 – Rafa (5/9)
143 – Felipe (5/9)
143 – Joserra (5/9)
119 – The96Picks (3/9)
117 – Kary (4/9)
116 – David (4/9)
116 – Nacho (4/9)
106 – Mac (3/9)
89 – Nooblet (3/9)
77 – Marisa (3/9)
68 – JasonMarquitz (2/9)
68 – Hector (2/9)
64 – Angel (2/9)
27 – OSweet (1/9)

On left is your score, tweaked so expected average is 100. System gives varying points for each correct pick, based on game odds. Over 100 means if betting you'd have won $$. Less than 100 you'd have lost. A perfect (9/9) would've got 312 points. Also, to round out the scores, included are picks by the 'experts' at espndeportes, from here and here.

GAME RESULTS ... (+ entrants who made exact-score picks)
Tijuana 2-0 Chiapas--ChrisM
Morelia 0-1 Pumas
Cruz Azul 1-1 Pachuca
Queretaro 0-1 Atlante
Monterrey 1-1 Atlas--ChrisM
Santos 3-1 Tigres
San Luis 0-2 Leon--ChrisM
Toluca 1-1 America--Nooblet
Chivas 1-1 Puebla

CHAMP LIST:
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

188 – Adriana (6/9)
183 – Beto (6/9)
161 – Jefesito (5/9)
156 – Graciela (5/9)
156 – Ciro (5/9)
148 – ChrisMurtagh (5/9)
148 – Geo (5/9)
145 – Martha (5/9)
144 – Rafa (5/9)
143 – Felipe (5/9)
143 – Joserra (5/9)
119 – The96Picks (3/9)
117 – Kary (4/9)
116 – David (4/9)
116 – Nacho (4/9)
106 – Mac (3/9)
89 – Nooblet (3/9)
77 – Marisa (3/9)
68 – JasonMarquitz (2/9)
68 – Hector (2/9)
64 – Angel (2/9)
27 – OSweet (1/9)

On left is your score, tweaked so expected average is 100. System gives varying points for each correct pick, based on game odds. Over 100 means if betting you'd have won $$. Less than 100 you'd have lost. A perfect (9/9) would've got 312 points. Also, to round out the scores, included are picks by the 'experts' at espndeportes, from here and here.

GAME RESULTS ... (+ entrants who made exact-score picks)
Tijuana 2-0 Chiapas--ChrisM
Morelia 0-1 Pumas
Cruz Azul 1-1 Pachuca
Queretaro 0-1 Atlante
Monterrey 1-1 Atlas--ChrisM
Santos 3-1 Tigres
San Luis 0-2 Leon--ChrisM
Toluca 1-1 America--Nooblet
Chivas 1-1 Puebla

CHAMP LIST:
J7: Adriana, 188
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Quiniela, anyone? (For LigaMX, Jornada 7)

2012-08-30T18:25:16Z

Tijuana v. Chiapas (23/40/47)
Morelia v. Pumas (24/39/44)
CruzAzul v. Pachuca (23/41/47)
Queretaro v. Atlante (36/39/27)
Monterrey v. Atlas (19/44/66)
Santos v. Tigres (27/39/37)
SanLuis v. Leon (36/39/27)
Toluca v. America (27/39/36)
Chivas v. Puebla (23/40/48)

In the comments, predict the result (winner/empate) for each game. Also, predict the scores if you want. In parentheses are the points, based on game-betting odds, you'll get for each correct prediction (Home/Empate/Away). Correctly picking underdogs (See Atlas, above) gets more points. Basic goal is to get at least 100 points.
Deadline is Friday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific/California time, when the first game kicks off.

CHAMP LIST:
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Tijuana v. Chiapas (23/40/47)
Morelia v. Pumas (24/39/44)
CruzAzul v. Pachuca (23/41/47)
Queretaro v. Atlante (36/39/27)
Monterrey v. Atlas (19/44/66)
Santos v. Tigres (27/39/37)
SanLuis v. Leon (36/39/27)
Toluca v. America (27/39/36)
Chivas v. Puebla (23/40/48)

In the comments, predict the result (winner/empate) for each game. Also, predict the scores if you want. In parentheses are the points, based on game-betting odds, you'll get for each correct prediction (Home/Empate/Away). Correctly picking underdogs (See Atlas, above) gets more points. Basic goal is to get at least 100 points.
Deadline is Friday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific/California time, when the first game kicks off.

CHAMP LIST:
J6: Nooblet, 219
J5: Mac, 234
J4: Mac, 215
J3: OSweet, 137

Points based on these percentage odds:
Tijuana v. Chiapas (49/28/23)
Morelia v. Pumas (47/28/25)
CruzAzul v. Pachuca (49/27/24)
Queretaro v. Atlante (31/28/41)
Monterrey v. Atlas (58/25/17)
Santos v. Tigres (41/29/30)
SanLuis v. Leon (31/28/41)
Toluca v. America (41/28/31)
Chivas v. Puebla (49/28/23)