A look back at the best players, teams, and performances from Round 9 in the Mexican Primera.
Best Game
Jaguares vs. Club America at Estadio Victor Manuel Reyna
Eight goals in one game isn’t something we see every week in the Mexican Primera, but on Saturday Jaguares and Club America put on an absolute goal-fest. Jaguares ended up winning the match, topping America by a 5-3 scoreline in what has to be considered the game of the week. With the win Jaguares ends the week as the top team in the league, sitting in the first place spot with 18 points. America, on the other hand, continues their run near the bottom of the table with only 8 points. Not only did America lose the possibility to win three points on Saturday, but at the end of the game they also lost their coach. After the loss, Carlos Reinoso officially resigned as manager of the Azulcremas. One big problem during Reinoso's reign was stopping the other team. On Saturday against Jaguares, the America defense, well, was just not there. Even though America had slightly greater control of the game, their defense looked slow and lost against the attacks of Luis Gabriel Rey and Edgar Andrade. Andrade, especially, had a stellar performance for los Chiapanecos, scoring two goals in the match. Though America tried to react and make a comeback, Jaguares never slowed down their attack. By the 87th minute the deadly Jackson Martinez had sentenced the game, giving America a disappointing 5-3 loss.
Best Player
Miguel Sabah of Morelia
After not scoring since the first week of the season, Miguel Sabah made his presence felt in Morelia's 4-2 win over Queretaro. Sabah helped give Morelia three valuable points, moving them up to 7th place in the league standings. Taking advantage of a struggling Liborio Sanchez, Sabah netted three goals for the Monarcas in the win. Not only did Sabah earn the hat-trick, but he also achieved an impressive milestone in Mexico's Primera by reaching 100 goals in his career.
Biggest Surprise
Chivas 1-4 Puebla
Coming into the match Chivas was the number one team of the season, sitting alone on top of the league table. Puebla stood ten places back in the standings, but was coming off a dramatic 3-3 tie last week against Monterrey. Still, the end result produced by far the most surprising score of the week. Puebla went into Estadio Jalisco and proceeded to hand Chivas their worst loss of the season. With remarkable performances from American DaMarcus Beasley, Luis Garcia, and a two-goal performance from Lucas Antonio Silva, Puebla gave Chivas only their second loss of the Apertura.
Team on the Rise
Puebla
Puebla's win over Chivas this week gives them 13 points, and positions them in 7th place of the table. Puebla has not lost a game since round 4, and has earned three draws and two wins in their last five games. Sergio Bueno seems to have finally found the right chemistry in his roster. The midfield is lead by veteran captain Gonzalo Pineda, and their attack has countless options with Luis Garcia, DaMarcus Beasley, Lucas Antonio Silva, Duvier Riascos and players off the bench like Issac Romo who can give an instant spark to the team’s offense. Puebla are team that should be making their presence felt in this year’s liguilla, if they can just find a way to continue their great performances.
Best Goal
Jeronimo Amione (Atlante 1-0 Tigres UANL)
It was tough picking the goal of the week from round 9, but after much consideration this week’s award has to go to Jeronimo Amione for his golazo against Tigres. Amione receives the ball with his back towards the goal, and with a remarkable turnaround creates a wonderful strike towards the far post that Enrique Palos cannot stop.
Best Impersonation of a Home Team
Tijuana Xolos
On Sunday afternoon, Tijuana played their fifth game of the season at Estadio Caliente. And for the fifth straight time, the Xolos failed to get the victory on their home field. The five matches in Tijuana this season have produced two draws and three losses, the latest an 0-2 result against Estudiantes Tecos. If the Xolos want any chance of moving up in the standings, they have to find a way to take advantage of the atmosphere provided by their passionate home fans.
Top 5 Teams following Round 9
1) Jaguares – 17 points*
2) Cruz Azul – 17 points*
3) Chivas –17 points
4) Tigres UANL – 16 points
5) Pumas UNAM – 14 points
*Jaguares and Cruz Azul both with +3 in goal difference.
Bottom 5 Teams
14) San Luis – 11 points
15) Toluca – 11 points
16) Club America – 9 points
17) Club Tijuana – 6 points
18) Atlas – 5 points
Top 5 Goalscorers of the Season
1) Carlos Bueno – 7 goals (Queretaro)
2) Luis Gabriel Rey – 6 goals (Jaguares)
3) Hector Raul Mancilla – 6 goals (Tigres UANL)
4) Christian Benitez – 6 goals (Club America)
5) Dayro Moreno – 5 goals (Club Tijuana)