GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Herculez Gomez 1, Ronaldinho 0.
The American netted the winner in Tigres’ 1-0 win over Querétaro on Wednesday in the Copa MX in Ronaldinho’s debut in Mexican soccer, with the Brazilian superstar sending a 61st-minute penalty kick high over the bar.
Gomez’s goal came in the 10th minute, when Joffre Guerrón slid a ball into the box, which the former LA Galaxy striker latched onto first-time and steered into the far corner of the net. Gomez had a solid display after that inside Estadio Corregidora, holding the ball up well and causing problems for the Querétaro defense before coming off in the 79th.
Also playing for Tigres was Jose Torres, who completed the full game on the left of midfield. The Texan was heavily involved as Tigres dominated the first half, but both the player and team faded after the break.
The result means a tie next week in the return fixture between the two sides will see reigning Copa MX champion Tigres advance from Group 1 to the knockout rounds, while Querétaro needs to win to send them through.
Elsewhere in the Copa MX on Wednesday, Gabriel Farfan started for Chiapas in their 3-2 home win over Veracruz in Group 2. The full back made a key block in the 32nd minute with his team already 2-1 behind.
The three points do little for Chiapas, who are already virtually eliminated from the competition.
In the CONCACAF Champions League, Ventura Alvarado went 90 minutes in Club América’s 10-1 thrashing of Bayamón in Puerto Rico. The young defender’s side are top of Group 8 and will play Comunicaciones on Oct. 21 in Estadio Azteca in what will be a playoff to reach the next round, providing the Guatemalan side can also defeat Bayamón.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
