Club America's Carlos Darwin Quintero (pictured) has 17 career goals in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, all while with Santos. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY -- Club America head coach Gustavo Matosas has no doubt that forward Carlos Darwin Quintero will find his scoring form.
With just one goal in seven Liga MX Clausura league games since joining the Aguilas from Santos in December, the 27-year-old forward has not found the back as much as was perhaps expected. For Matosas, however, it is just a question of time before the goals start flowing.
“He is a great player,” said the former Leon manager. “He has a lot of quality and is going to show it. He is in a period of adaption. You have to have patience.”
Quintero joined Santos prior to the 2009 Clausura to start his Mexican league career, striking for 66 goals in 225 league appearances. He is level with past and current teammate Oribe Peralta for the second-most goals in Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) on 17 each.
Goals were at premium this past weekend for third-place Club America in its scoreless draw at Pachuca.
Matosas admitted that his squad was fatigued from Wednesday’s 2-0 SCCL quarterfinal, second leg win over visiting Saprissa, a result that set-up a final-four series with Herediano.
“The team felt the midweek match,” remarked Matosas, who didn’t want to dwell on excuses. “But, like always, we wanted to win. Nevertheless, Pachuca is a great team and also gave account itself also.”
Before returning to international play, the five-time CONCACAF champion has a key encounter on Saturday with visiting Santos, which sits 11th with a 3W-2D-4L record.
“The idea is not to risk anyone,” concluded Matosas. “Fortunately, we have a long week to face Santos.
“I need the players recovered at 100%.”
