Michael Arroyo (pictured) scored for Club America in its Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League win over visiting Walter Ferretti on August 19, 2015, in Mexico City. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY – Club America won for the second straight time to open its Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League campaign, defeating Walter Ferretti 1-0 on Wednesday at the Estadio Azteca.
The defending champion improved to 2-0-0 and solidified its position atop the Group E table. Walter Ferretti performed with distinction in its tournament debut, nearly earning a share of the points with one of the region’s most famous clubs.
Thanks to a little ingenuity, Michael Arroyo struck for the game’s only goal in the 71st minute. Carlos Darwin Quintero played a left-sided corner kick along the ground to the top of the box for Francisco Rivera. As Rivera approached the ball, Arroyo – who was in the penalty area – ran behind him and then cut towards the penalty arc. Rivera then slipped the unmarked Ecuadorian a short ball, which was shot low and inside the right post from 19-yards out.
It was one of the few times all evening that the Nicaraguans were caught unsuspecting. In fact, they could have taken a lead in the 27th minute, but Rodrigo Valiente’s attempt from distance went wide of the right post.
Walter Ferretti goalkeeper Denis Espinoza came up huge in the 58th minute, doing well to block a Ventura Alvarado effort at point-blank range.
The victory was Club America’s fifth straight win in all competitions, posting shutouts in each of those outings.
Group E play resumes on August 27, when Motagua – which lost 4-0 to Club America in week one – hosts Walter Ferretti.
