GUADALAJARA, Mexico – It was a big night for Phoenix native Ventura Alvarado, who started for Club América in their 2-0 victory over Altamira in Group 1 of Copa MX action on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old center back (above) lined up alongside Francisco “Maza” Rodríguez and Diego Reyes at the heart of América’s defense and excelled in just his third game at the first-team level for the club.
In the 43rd minute, Alvarado took the ball away from an Altamira forward, stepped out of the defense and played a long cross-field pass into the path of the onrushing Tony López. It was a representative of an authoritative performance before he was brought off at the hour mark.
Also impressing in Copa MX action was Sonny Guadarrama, who put in a man-of-the-match display for Mérida in their 1-0 victory over Pumas UNAM in the Carlos Iturralde Rivero Stadium. The Group 4 game was hampered by heavy rain, but Guadarrama was a constant menace to the Pumas defense, with his tricky skills and intelligent running.
In the same game, goalkeeper Bernie Magaña was an unused sub for Pumas.
Striker Adrian Ruelas was in action for Veracruz, coming off the bench in the 55th in a 1-1 draw with Morelia in Group 2.
Earlier on Wednesday in Group 5 of Copa MX play, Jesus Padilla went 90 minutes in La Piedad’s 4-1 home loss to San Luis.
On Tuesday, Marco Vidal completed the full game in central midfield for Lobos BUAP in their 1-0 loss to Cruz Azul in Group 3.
On Thursday evening, DaMarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco Fiscal could see action in Group 4 for Puebla when they take on Celaya at home (10 pm ET).
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. Contact him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
