GUADALAJARA, Mexico – It was a busy weekend of action for Americans sharpening themselves up ahead of the new season in Mexico.
José Torres was back on the field for Pachuca after joining preseason late due to his jaunt with the US national team, playing 90 minutes in Saturday in his side's 1-1 draw with Cruz Azul. Pachuca won the ensuing penalty shootout 3-2, with Torres (above) stepping up and scoring the Tuzos' first penalty.
After the game, “el Gringo” told the press he feels that the team is starting to click under new coach Hugo Sánchez. Torres and Pachuca next will play Club América in an exhibition match next Saturday in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Also this past Saturday, América and Club Tijuana locked horns in the San Diego Clásico at Qualcomm Stadium, drawing 1-1. Greg Garza and Joe Corona both played the first half, while Edgar Castillo didn’t feature for the Xolos.
Michael Orozco Fiscal was also north of the border this weekend, as his San Luis side lost 1-0 to Monterrey in a friendly in San Antonio, Texas. Orozco Fiscal played the full game under new coach José Luis Trejo, which bodes well for the California-born center back head of the new season.
DaMarcus Beasley didn't feature for Puebla in their 0-0 draw Sunday against Veracruz. The 30-year-old is still nursing a foot injury.
It was a strange weekend for Jonathan Bornstein, who played the second half of Tigres UANL's 1-0 victory over Atlante, the club he was supposed to be loaned to. After the game, Atlante coach Ricardo La Volpe told reporters that Bornstein would not be joining the club.
Herculez Gomez and Santos Laguna team play their first friendly of the preseason against Monterrey on Tuesday in McAllen, Texas.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
