Las Aguilas del America achieved its objective under the new guidance of Ricardo La Volpe. Ending a two game winless streak, America defeated its rival, los Pumas de la UNAM, 2-1 on Saturday night at the Estadio Azteca.
America’s goals arrived early and immediately. Pablo Aguilar scored America’s first goal just three minutes into the game by scoring in from a rebounded Oribe Peralta header. William Da Silva followed with an outside shot to the bottom left corner on a pass from Silvio Romero.
Up early, America played conservatively, but Pumas sought retribution. Before ending the first half, Matias Britos cut into America’s lead. On a pass from Jesus Gallardo, Britos headed the ball low to the left post.
In the second half, Pumas took more shots and controlled possession of the ball for the remaining 45 minutes. Pumas, however, couldn’t place a shot past Moises Munoz.
Down to the final 10 minutes of regulation, America’s best shot for a third goal of the game came in the 81st minute. Osvaldo Martinez nearly placed the third goal for America on a bicycle kick, but Palacios swatted it out on a dive.
Pumas’ best shot at drawing the game came late. Saul Berjon narrowly missed the goal post on a shot to left with two minutes left before the end of regulation.
The win over Pumas brought America’s point total to 18 points, enough to catapult the team to fourth place of the league and ahead of Pumas and Guadalajara.
Now with the first test out of the way, La Volpe must prepare to play against Monterrey next Saturday at Estadio BBVA Bancomer .