By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 13, 2015) US Soccer Players – The Mexican league season is reaching the heart-rate increasing, sweaty-palms portion of its campaign as the quarterfinals kick off on Wednesday. Liga MX‘s Clausura 2015 has produced some nervy moments already, from the relegation battle and Chivas’ plight to the balancing act Tigres and America faced in maintaining their league superiority.
Eight teams remain from the sprint that was the regular season. As the action and intensity increase there are several storylines worth following.
TOP CATS
Tigres finished with the best record in Liga MX. Showing that was no fluke, the club has reached the quarterfinals of Copa Libertadores. Tigres manager Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti did not send a B team into South America’s top tournament but rather figured out how to balance both tournaments effectively.
With a deep and experienced roster, the drop-off from cup to league should not be much of an issue. For now, Tigres can focus on the playoffs. They return to Libertadores action next week against either Emelec of Ecuador or Colombian side Atletico Nacional in the quarterfinals.
At some point, the club may need to prioritize one competition over the other. Copa Libertadores is not a chance that comes along for every team every season, so that would be it. The quarterfinals would get in the way of their potential Liga MX semifinal series, but if Tigres could survive both then the team could be in the clear. The Copa semifinals isn’t until July.
Tigres will face Santos in the first round and should have no problems dispatching los Guerreros. Then the real drama will begin for Tigres.
TAPATIO DERBY
Chivas’ relegation predicament toughened up the once-storied club. While the early part of the season was shaky, the team improved and the result was a club that toughened up and earned a trip to the postseason. Their reward unfortunately is a matchup against Guadalajara rivals Atlas. While it would be nowhere near the ignominy of relegation, elimination by Atlas would be an embarrassing way to end the season. It would also take some of the luster away from the campaign.
Atlas and Chivas will not fall short on excitement and drama, though. Regardless of the standings, the Clasico Tapatio is always one of the finest matches of any season. 2015 was no different. Chivas returning to Estadio Jalisco and then Atlas’ visit to Estadio Omnilife will certainly produce some clutch moments.
AMERICAN FLAVOR
Club America have already won a championship this year, beating the Montreal Impact in the CONCACAF Champions League final. Facing international competition in elimination scenarios helped bring this America team together, and while it cost them some matches in league play – America’s mind was clearly elsewhere during some difficult league games in March and April – there is nothing to focus on but league play now.
Ironically, America will face the club they would have faced had Montreal not scored a dramatic and unexpected late winner against them in the Champions League quarterfinals. Pachuca were not consistently strong in league play and their penchant for giving up bad goals at the wrong time is there but the club will put up a fight.
It should not be enough of one, though, to topple an America side who has been fighting for their lives for months now.
AMERICAN FLAVOR, PART 2
A series that’s easy to overlook is also the one that could feature an American starter. Jonathan Bornstein has enjoyed his best season in Mexico. Bornstein logged more than 600 minutes, going the distance in a season-defining 4-0 win over America at Estadio Azteca. While he is not quite a first-choice player, the former Chivas USA man will be in the mix and could see action in some role this postseason.
Edgar Castillo meanwhile is a lock to start for Atlas. Castillo has played in all but one match for Atlas this season and is one of their pivotal players out on the flank. Only goalkeeper Federico Vilar logged more minutes than the New Mexico native did.
Ventura Alvarado is also in the mix for a title. Alvarado came off the bench against Castillo’s Atlas in the season finale but should be in the starting lineup against Pachuca.
Unfortunately, Tijuana did not reach the playoffs or else the list of Americans in the postseason would have increased tenfold.
Luis Bueno is a veteran soccer writer. Follow him on twitter @BuenoSoccer.
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