Postgame observations: Romero provides the spark as Club America snag a 2-0 win over Chiapas

Overcoming a slow start, Club America snagged a 2-0 win over Jaguares de Chiapas. Five minutes into the second half, Darwin Quintero drove in the first goal of the game by striking the ball to the right which sailed past the keeper on a deflection. Silvio Romero, the leading goal scorer for Chiapas last season, secured the win by scoring his first goal with America from the outside of the box. Despite the win, America’s play didn’t look all inspired. Without a few fast reactions from its goalkeeper, Moisés Muñoz, America could have begun the season the three points it earned.

Based off its first game of the season, here’s my three takeaways on America’s first match of the season:

1)Silvio Romero can bring a spark

Few moments stood out from America’s first game, but Romero’s goal at the end of regulation in the second half brought out a glimpse of what makes him a stellar acquisition for America. Romero’s goal draws in awe because of its distance from the box and unforgiving placement at the top right corner of the post.

Romero scored by taking advantage of the space left by the Chiapas defense to pull a predatory stride at the ball. Prior to the goal, Romero had few chances on goal, but he appeared determine to make the most of his limited time. Having not played the full 90 minutes as he came in to start the second half, one can only wonder how Romero may fare if given an extra 45 minutes to do work.  Now with the first goal out the way with his new team, Romero’s first goal can give him the confidence needed to pick up where he left off last season and turn into one of America’s offensive leaders.

2)Goalkeeper battle draws interest

Moisés Muñoz drew the start against Chiapas and looked in form in his clean performance. Despite the win and Muńoz clean sheet, the answer to who commands the first choice at goal keeper only grew even more uncertain as Muñoz injured himself, according to an ESPN article. No timetable has yet been given on when Muñoz may recover but his absence opens up the spot for Hugo Gonzalez. Last season Muñoz lost the starting role to Gonzalez and his role in the squad may now depend on how Gonzalez responds to returning to the starting 11. Just a game in, America may now have a debate brewing about how its coach Nacho Ambriz can handle the situation.

3)Chemistry still needs work

At times the team looked in sync and at other times the players missed cues and interrupted their own plays.  Most notably, Darwin Quintero blocked a shot from Miguel Samudio at the goalkeepers door. Fans don’t need to panic based on the team’s first game performance, but they can expect the team to undergo a period of adjustment. Renato Ibarra, Bruno Valdez and Romero played well in their first game with America. The injuries stacking up against America, with Michael Arroyo, Samudio and Muñoz out, made the adjustment period gain urgency in its need to happen quickly.