Club America's Pablo Aguilar (pictured) celebrates after scoring against visiting Toluca in a Liga MX Clausura game on May 2, 2015. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY – Playing for the third time in seven days in three separate cities and in two different countries, Club America extended its unbeaten streak in all competitions to four straight games with a 3-1 win over visiting Toluca on Saturday at the Estadio Azteca.
Osvaldo Martinez’s 75th minute penalty snapped a 1-1 stalemate, while an own-goal by Richard Ortiz completed the scoreline, lifting the Aguilas into fifth place in the Liga MX Clausura by the end of the weekend.
The significance of the performance was acknowledged by head coach Gustavo Matosas, who – in his first months in charge -- has kept the Club America ship steady through the storms of a Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) title-winning run and the tempests of battling for a spot in the domestic playoffs.
"Today, the team took the match despite the great fatigue we brought,” said the 47-year-old after the game. “The team responded well with heart and commitment.”
A goal in the second minute by Pablo Aguilar gave the six-time CONCACAF champion a 1-0 lead and injected a dose of early energy into a side that is looking forward to some well-earned rest. It doesn’t play again until next Saturday, when third-place Atlas hosts their high-profile encounter.
“America cannot falter against Atlas in order to reach the playoffs,” Matosas expressed. “We will take this week as recovery for Sambueza, Aguilar, Benedetto, Oribe and all those who are tired to get better and then prepare for the Atlas match in order to shoot for entry into the playoffs.”
After a stretch of scoring only three goals in four outings, Club America has netted seven in its last two, including four in Wednesday’s 4-2 win at the Impact de Montreal in the SCCL decider. Matosas said that a more ruthless approach in front of goal has contributed to improved results.
"Today was a close game,” he finished. “Fortunately, we seized the opportunities at the right times.”
With the triumph over Toluca, Club America’s three-game Liga MX winless streak ended, meaning that a draw against Atlas will guarantee it a place in the Liguilla.
