América, Mexico’s most successful soccer team with 16 trophies, defeated Tijuana 3-1 on Wednesday in the second round of the Apertura tournament, with Uruguayan Brian Rodríguez scoring twice.
Uruguayan Rodrigo Aguirre scored for América’s “Águilas,” while Ramiro Árciga scored the solitary goal for Tijuana’s “Xolos.”
In the rain-soaked match at Mexico City’s Estadio Azul, América took the lead in the 35th minute with a penalty converted by Rodríguez after defender Aarón Mejía fouled Uruguayan Sebastián Cáceres in the box.
Tijuana drew the game in the 56th minute with a counterattack by Árciga, who converted off a feed from Kevin Castañeda as goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota emerged.
After a 30-minute suspension due to a thunderstorm, América regained the lead in the 64th minute when Aguirre headed home a cross from Isaías Violante on the right side.
Rodríguez scored his second goal in the 90th minute, slotting a shot inside the left post after receiving a long feed from Israel Reyes.
“The game is becoming more difficult, but the modifications made to everyone who was hired demonstrate why we chose them. I want to remind them to never lose hope; this is the route, and we will continue to work hard. There are other important teams, but we will continue to work hard to do things correctly,” stated América’s head coach, Brazilian André Jardine.
Rodríguez Shines as Toluca Rallies to Defeat Santos Laguna
Meanwhile, incumbent champion Toluca rallied from two goals down to defeat Santos Laguna 4-2, with braces from Brazilian Helinho and Paraguayan Robert Morales.
Santos Laguna took the lead in the 14th minute of the match at TSM Corona Stadium thanks to Argentine Ramiro Sordo’s right-footed strike inside the box following a defensive rebound.
Santos Laguna Warriors’ Jesús Ocejo scored their second goal in the 27th minute with a strong right-footed drive from within the box after controlling a long pass with his chest.
Toluca equalized in the 43rd minute through Helinho, who scored with his left foot after escaping goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo.
Helinho scored again in the 48th minute, this time with a left-footed shot inside the box after receiving a cross from the left wing.
Morales scored Toluca’s third goal in the 63rd minute with a powerful shot from outside the box that landed just inside the right post.
Morales scored his second goal in the 95th minute, shooting with his right foot after collecting a feed from Juan Pablo Domínguez during a counterattack.
Both matches, which were supposed to take place this weekend, have been moved up since América and Toluca will square off on Sunday to become the champion of champions in a contest between the two current Mexican soccer champions.
The second day of the Apertura tournament begins on Friday, featuring Necaxa-Querétaro, Atlético de San Luis-Monterrey, and Mazatlán-Puebla.
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