Queretaro Spoil Miguel Herrera’s Return to America

The 2017 Apertura season did not kick off the way most America fans would have liked it to in Miguel Herrera’s first game back at the helm. America failed to defend its home turf, as they fell 1–0 in their opening game.
Las Aguilas received Queretaro at the Estadio Azteca in what was their second meeting in just six days. They were looking to avenge their defeat in the Supercopa MX last Sunday to the Gallos Blancos. But, Queretaro had other plans. Even though they did not dominate by any means, they did know how to take advantage of America’s shaky defense.
Herrera presented a new 5–2–3 formation with Agustin Marchesin in goal. Paul Aguilar, Enrique Cedillo, Bruno Valdez, Carlos Vargas, and Miguel Samudio making up the back line. Manuel Perez and William da Silva as the holding midfielders. Darwin Quintero, Silvio Romero, and Oribe Peralta as the forwards up front.
Due to suspensions from last season, Pablo Aguilar did not feature and Guido Rodriguez could not make his debut after signing from Xolos. Ecuadorian international Renato Ibarra got injured in last week’s match but is expected to come back into the squad next week, along with Edson Alvarez who is currently playing with the Mexican national team in the Gold Cup.
With all the injuries and absences, it meant that Herrera had to rely on the team’s youth. Two players were handed first team debuts today. Vargas, the second of two players Herrera brought with him from Xolos, and Cedillo who was promoted from the youth ranks. The latter having a better performance.
Very early on in the game the America defenders, in particular Vargas, seemed to not be on the same page yet. Lack of concentration from them often required Marchesin to pull off save after save. The first half turned out to be evenly matched, mostly becoming a battle between the goalkeepers.
Cecilio Dominguez replaced Romero in the 62nd minute and quickly made an impact by being a threat to defenders and creating danger from the wing. Alejandro Diaz and Diego Lainez were other youngsters that saw action in the second half, with fifteen and five minutes respectively. Unfortunately, they were not able to have much influence in the match.
The game took a turn for the worst as Las Aguilas conceded a devastating penalty after Valdez fouled Edgar Benitez inside the box leaving the referee, Oscar Macias Romo, no other choice but to call it with only four minutes left of regular time. Queretaro’s star striker, Camilo Sanvezzo, took advantage and made no mistake by tucking in his powerful shot in the bottom left corner of the goal right underneath the reaching hands of Marchesin to complete a surprising victory for the Gallos Blancos away from home.
America dominated possession throughout the match, but Queretaro was the side that consistently created more scoring opportunities. It was a frustrating game for the attacking trio of Quintero, Romero, and Peralta as they failed to connect up top and left much to be desired in front of goal.
There are some corrections Herrera has to make in order to improve his team’s performance for their next outing, as they visit CONCACAF Champions League title holders Pachuca, in what will surely be a tough matchup. Overall, the team seemed uninspired and the defense gave Queretaro way too many chances to score. For the sake of America fans, Herrera and his players must turn things around quick and go back to winning ways because they are known for not being tolerant of poor results.
