América Head Back to Mexico Empty-Handed.

By: Mauro | June 3rd, 2008

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It’s a long ride back to Mexico City from Quito, Ecuador. 1,950 miles, in fact. Plenty of time to figure out what went wrong and seeing as how this is the end of the season for América, possibly which players have played their last matches in a yellow jersey. On the other hand, jubilation and excitement for the the qualification to the finals. LDU Quito, for the first time in their club’s history, advanced to the finals of the Copa Libertadores. Not an average night for the 40,000+ that filled La Casa Blanca Stadium three hours before the match started.

Looking back though, the match wasn’t what I expected it to be. I expected LDU Quito to come out and look for the result right away but that didn’t happen. They played cautiously and with lots of respect for the firepower that América had to offer. Holding the ball for as long as they could and looking for ways to penetrate América’s staunch defense. But in the end the rough play cost us spectators more fluid football than we hoped for.

América’s defense held strong and anything that seemed to get past them was met with a stingy Guillermo Ochoa, hell bent on keeping LDU from scoring tonight.

With that said, América still had trouble building their own offensive opportunities. It seemed like the ball went from the defenders, in the form of a clearance, to the forwards or midfielders who rarely ventured forward to try to create something. At times, it appeared América had no other scoring options other than a tightly marked Salvador Cabañas. They seemed very predictable and one dimensional.

América coach Juan Antonio Luna, subbed on Federico Higuain in the 70th minute for Enrique Esqueda but he was unable to help to make the zero on the scoreboard turn into a one. Higuain ended up looking like he was playing midfield instead of striker on most América possessions.

When it seemed like América were getting a foothold in the match, Carlos Sanchez was sent off in the 58th minute for a hard foul. It was his second yellow and h was off for an early shower.

Near the end, Alejandro Arguello, who was fit to play (who knew?), was also sent off for making a deliberate foul near midfield which in actuality should have been a yellow. Unfortunately for América, it happened again, as it seemed, they had pushed forward and been able to keep possession of the ball on consecutive plays.

LDU Quito did not have an outstanding match but still, the usual suspects turned in some great performances. Joffre Guerrón, courted by Getafe and Valencia in La Liga, had a great match, seemingly open all evening on the right. América defender, Oscar Rojas, must still be seeing Guerrón run past him in his sleep right now.

Damián Manso ran rampant all night in front of the América defense. Franklin Salas replaced Luís Bolaños an LDU didn’t miss a beat on that end. In fact, the only player that didn’t register a good performance was Claudio Bieler who was subbed off in the 77th minute for Agustín Delgado. I believe it was due to América’s tight marking at the back.

Eder Vaca came on in the 74th minute, he was coming off a hat trick at the weekend and was dangerous again tonight. He was the foulee on the play that ended in the sending off of Arguello.

Enrique Vera and Patricio Urrutia were impeccable in their double holding midfielder roles allowing Manso, Guerrón and Salas the freedom they needed to push forward and they were able to break up América’s modest attempts on goal.

At the end of the match, América’s players were incensed with the ref and tried to approach him but were met with the Ecuadorian police. América’s complaints included the two sendings off as well as with LDU’s time wasting tactics.

At the end of the day, LDU has tied their last four matches in the Copa Libertadores and América did not lose either match in the semi-finals. Still LDU are in the finals and wait to see what happens tomorrow night at the Estadio Maracaná between Fluminense and Boca Juniors. And if I know the Ecuadorians as well a I think I do, there is a lot of celebrating, drinking and dancing going on in Quito right now. Yes, even this morning.

I had this match going to LDU Quito 2-1. No goals were scored. I suck.

Be sure to check the CONMEBOL website for any and all information regarding the Copa Libertadores, like stats, results and upcoming matches. Also, check out the pull down menu at the top where you can check out past editions of the Libertadores.