One of the most popular and competitive soccer leagues in the world, Mexico's Liga MX serves as a venue where soccer fans can come for a high level of action since some of the top players in the world call this league home. Club America imposed its will during the recent Clausura playoffs and even though the Mexican giants were without coach Miguel Herrera due to 'El Piojo' fulfilling his duties as El Tri boss, Las Águilas continue to play at a high level. Recently slipping past Tigres in the 2013 Apertura quarterfinal round, the defending Clausura champs are once again making a push for a championship.
Now set to face a Toluca team who down Cruz Azul in the quarters, Club America will certainly be looking to earn its first win since an October 26 defeat of Puebla. Drawing twice with Tigres in the opening round, America advanced thanks an away goal advantage but now that the competition elevates in difficulty, the Clausura champs will certainly need an added intensity on offense. Raul Jimenez leads the team with nine goals in all competitions and while he will be looked upon for a majority of the offense, Rubens Sambueza, Arrinton Mina and Luis Gabriel Rey - who combined to score 14 goals during the regular season - can help the cause by padding the effort of Jimenez with strong play of their own.
While America looks to get back to winning ways, their semifinal opponents hope to continue their recent strong form. Taking down Cruz Azul 3-0 in the opening leg of the quarterfinals, Diablos Rojos didn't need to get overly cute in the closing leg. Finishing off Cruz Azul by way of a 4-1 aggregate, Toluca - who finished fifth in the final Liga MX standings - will be looking to take down one of the giants of Mexican soccer. Forward Pablo Velazquez leads the offensive charge for Toluca with 13 goals. While he will be relied upon for consistency, Oscar Rojas and Jair Pereira - who scored in the opening leg of the quarters - will be much needed against a solid America defense led by keeper and national team star Moises Munoz.
Previously meeting on November 9 at Estadio Azteca, Club America and Toluca played to a very tight 1-1 draw. The outcome in the opening leg of the semis could very well be the same but expect both teams to be ready to go with a heightened level of intensity since a berth to the championship round is within reach.
Apertura Semifinals - America vs. Toluca: DATE, TIME & STREAM INFO
DATE: Thursday, December 5
TIME: 8:00pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: UniMas
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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