While the players are out to avoid a spread of the COVID-19, Club America owners meet with coach Miguel Herrera to address issues in the club. In addition, America renews contract with Herrera. Listen to my weekly podcast to learn what is going on with America.

During the Jornada 10 of the Liga Mx, Club America has faced some adversities. Now that the Liga Mx is suspended until April 3, there hasn’t been much activity in the club. But here are some events that happened this week:

• Miguel Herrera announces the club will renew his contract.
• Nicolas Castillo posted a video on Instagram walking.
• America met with Renato Ibarra. The club told Ibarra he will no longer stay in the club, and will be accepting offers from other clubs so he can transfer in the summer. America is selling Ibarra for $5 to $6 million.
• Two teams from Ecuador, Barcelona de Guayaquil and Emelec are interested in drafting Ibarra.
• America is now looking for players to replace Ibarra’s position. Here are America’s top five players.
• Players work from home and their trainer Giber Becerra, trains the players live from home, and Leo Suarez posts his training at home experience.
• Club America loses 1-0 Cruz Azul. America drops to fourth place.
• Nachito, a bronze statue attends el Estadio Azteca to root for America against Cruz Azul.

Nicolas Castillo’s injury in February left him off the field for a year, and while he is in recovery, he was unable to attend the Club America’s official team picture. To have Castillo’s presence, they invited his son to take the picture with the club wearing his Castillo’s jersey.

On Instagram, Castillo thanked the club for letting his son appear in the official photo.

“Thank you for this great gesture @Club America, they told me they would represent me well. I really wanted to be there and share this moment with my peers and all of the club. I miss you all, and I will see you soon. Thank you.”

After the photo was posted, America fans positively reacted to Castillo’s son appearing in the photo.

Currently, Castillo is attending physical therapy in order to start walking. America has not mentioned what will happen with Castillo’s contract, or if he will remain in the club.

Due to the COVID-19 the Liga Mx has been suspended, and may resume their activities on April 3.

While everyone in the world enjoyed the America vs Cruz Azul game, it was announced that the Liga Mx has been suspended indefinitely because of the COVID-19. That same night, America loses 1-0 against Cruz Azul. It was expected that America and Cruz Azul fans would react to the score, but the attention was more at the fact that it was the last game for la Liga.

After the outbreak of COVID-19, the Liga Mx was the only one that kept the league going, but all games were played behind closed doors. People became a fan of the Liga Mx, but when it was suspended it broke everyone’s heart. Now they ask, what can I watch on TV?

In social media, people have tweeted that if the Liga Mx cancels the season, that the team in first place should be the champion. Meaning that Cruz Azul would be the champion of the season, only if the league is cancelled.

America’s official Twitter account posted to all fans the precautions they should take against the Coronavirus.

America will rest for four days, but it is uncertain if practice will be cancelled for the club. The Liga Mx said activities will resume by April 3.

On Jan. 15 Club America announced that Renato Ibarra had surgery, and his recovery time would be of approximately two to three months. The night of March 5, Renato Ibarra was taken into custody as he was charged with an attempted feminicide, domestic violence and abortion. Club America breaks ties with Ibarra and loses another offensive player.

After Ibarra was taken into custody, Club America sent an official statement saying they would on a final verdict. Meanwhile the club said they are taking a stance against gender violence.

A couple of days after, a video circulated on social media showing how Ibarra insulted his wife Lucely Chala.

Even though America can’t 100% release Ibarra because of his contract, America sent another official statement saying Ibarra was separated from the club. Eight minutes after, Ibarra’s wife Chala retracts her statement and Ibarra was released from jail.

This means, America loses another player on the offensive side. Though he was out for a couple of games, America counted with his return in order to rest some of their players who are playing in Liga Mx and ConcaChampions.

Since this is midseason America cannot reinforce the team, but can pull some players from the U-20 team to participate in the leagues. Until now, Ibarra’s future is uncertain and America has not retracted their statement about Ibarra’s separation from the club.

In light of an outbreak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), sports completely stopped their leagues except for one, Liga Mx. On March 14, Liga Mx decided that all games would be played without fans. While some showed their enthusiasm towards the league continuing, others aren’t as happy. Here are the pros and cons of having a closed doors game:

Pro: We all have something to watch on TV. La Liga (Spanish), Premier League, MLS, Champions League, Copa del Rey, ConcaChampions, Bundesliga, etc have all suspended their games for the season. While the Liga MX continues due to the low cases of the virus. Mexico has not been declared as a phase 2 country, which allows them to continue their sporting events. On Twitter, fans have shown excitement that there will be a game on Sunday.

Con: Unfortunately, as a precaution the Liga decided to have games behind closed doors, and the teams will lose revenue. A joven-clasico like this fills el Estadio Azteca that approximately has a capacity of 87,523. In most clasicos America has filled their stadium.

Pro: If people cannot attend the stadium, viewership increases and ratings get better for the Liga Mx. This can potentially draw more people to like the Liga Mx, and eventually become a true fan. In 2018 according to Univision, Liga Mx broke record of 1.8 million viewers almost reaching the 2 million viewers in the game America vs Pumas. Most sports fans will have no choice, but to watch soccer during the weekend, which can significantly increase viewership.

Con: A clasico is not a real clasico without the pressure of the fans. El Estadio Azteca is known as a stadium that puts significant pressure on soccer players who aren’t local. As known, America vs Cruz Azul is usually one of the best games in la Liga Mx, because of the final in clausura 2013. Without fans, the players may not feel that pride and pressure to win.

On March 14, coach Miguel Herrera said that it was a good decision that the Liga Mx took these precautions to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. “We have to take care of ourselves and take all precautions. This isn’t a joke, it is a difficult situation and we have to take it seriously and without fear. A good precaution is not have people in stadiums.”

America will face Cruz Azul on March 15 in el Estadio Azteca at 9:15 p.m. central time. The game will be aired on TUDN.

The MLS and the Liga Mx have always been rivals, yet, America demonstrated that they are still the biggest team in the CONCACAF. After that haunting game on August 14, 2019 where Atlanta United defeats America 3-2. On March 11, America was finally able to kick those ghosts out as they defeat Atlanta United 3-0 in el Estadio Azteca. And here is how America fans celebrate this victory.

In soccer, Mexico and USA have always had a rivalry. For years, reporters have argued that the Liga Mx is by far better than the MLS. The ConcaChampions is a tournament that fans have been looking forward to, and after this game, it was confirmed that the Liga Mx is still better than the MLS, according to fans.

During the game, Leo Suarez scores a golazo (an amazing goal) at the 11th minute, Henry Martin at the 13th minute and Bruno Valdez at the 36th minute. Here is how America fans celebrated their goals. In addition, America fans made fun of Tigres’ player Andre Pierre Gignac and mentioned how he was “dead” because compared to Martin, Martin made more appearances throughout the ConcaChampions games.

Even after the game, America fans mocked Atlanta United players and reminded us what coach Miguel Herrera warned Atlanta a couple of days before the game. “They are facing the most powerful club in the Americas.”

Despite America defeating Atlanta United according to my blog post, America should still be concentrated and play it all on the field against Atlanta in the second leg of the match. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 the ConcaChampions postponed all of their games for 30 days.

Despite America’s comeback in the middle to end of the season, it has been two straight seasons that the club struggles with injuries and/or losing their star players as they are drafted to other clubs. There is no doubt that America is haunted by injuries and has had major a downfall with their players.

During the summer of 2019 America was practicing with what would be the strongest team of the Clausura 2020.

As previously mentioned in my blog post, America had several injuries that left coach Miguel Herrera with no other choice than to use players from the U-20.

For this season, America has five injured players and two played in the pre-Olympics. The following players are injured this season: Nicolas Castillo, Sebastian Caseres, Sebastian Caceres, and Renato Ibarra. While Federico Viñas and Benedetti played for the pre-Olympics. During Benedetti’s last game he was injured and became the fifth injury of the club. Guido Rodriguez was sold to Real Betis from Spain, and Roger Martinez was benched for several games for a statement he made about America.

Though injuries can occur in a team, having more than five injuries is simply too much. Compared to other clubs in the Liga Mx, America has the most injuries and downfall with players. This is isn’t just bad luck, but America without a doubt keeps getting haunted by injuries.

In the Apertura 2019 in Liga Mx by the first game, America had seven injuries. This included Castillo, Bruno Valdez, Benedetti, Martinez, Henry Martin, Giovani Dos Santos and Emanuel Aguilera was out because of a red card.

Not only did America suffer from their players being injured, but also had to let go of important players in the season.

• Porto Fc shows interest in Mateus Uribe and eventually meet’s America’s standards.
• Edson Alvarez is sold to Ajax on a five year contract.
• Agustin Marchesin leaves the club to play for Porto.
• America terminates Jeremy Menez contract due to conduct.
• Diego Lainez signs with Real Betis.
• Oribe Peralta is sold to Chivas.

The amount of players lost isn’t normal. While fans were able to applaud the outstanding season America performed in 2019, it is not normal to see more than five players injured in two consecutive seasons. It seems as if the club and the players keep getting cursed. These injuries and downfalls have caused problems within the club and finding players who can substitute them.

If this continues to happen in the next season, America should consider a cleansing like Cruz Azul did in 2018.

America will face MLS team Atlanta United on March 11 in the quarterfinals of the ConcaChampions league. Though this hasn’t been the first time these teams will face each other, America has a chance of defeating Atlanta in el Estadio Azteca. Here is what America needs to do.

1. Coach Miguel Herrera needs to stop playing with five defenders, and play a solid 1-4-4-2.

It has been proven that America cannot and does not know how to play with five defenders. In my previous post, in the game against Pumas I explained that when Herrera changed his tactics to five defenders, that is what caused Pumas to score two goals. In their game against Necaxa on Feb. 29, Herrera once again played with five defenders and lost 3-0. Earlier in the season, America played with four defenders and defeated Atlas, Puebla and Queretaro. Therefore, America has always played on the offensive side. Herrera has to risk the game and play with their top offensive players, and leave the defense alone.

This is how America should play against Atlanta.

If Herrera uses this formation and these players, America will have a chance to win since these are America’s strongest players in the league. As stated above, the only changes that Herrera must make in the formation is to take out an attacker for another attacker. This means that he must play offensively the whole game. For example, Henry Martin or Federico Viñas must be substituted for Giovani Dos Santos. Another example would be, taking out Andres Ibargüen or Luis Suarez for Alonso Escoboza another attacker. If Herrera stays away from setting the team back, America has a higher chance of scoring more than one goal.

2. Unlike Atlanta, they are barely starting their season, while America is halfway through the Liga Mx.

For America, this is an advantage since the players have had more time to adapt and connect on the field. Unlike Atlanta, they are barely in the second game of the season.

3. America needs to be humble and not underestimate Atlanta

As I previously mentioned, this is not the first time America and Atlanta faced each other. On Aug. 14, 2019, Atlanta United defeated America 3-2 in the Campeon de Campeones Cup. Unfortunately, Atlanta took advantage of America’s rookie mistakes. Before the game, America was seen as the favorite team. America came into the game believing they could easily defeat the underdog. America was the first Mexican team to lose against an MLS team. This created a lot of criticism against America, and now the team must play it all to avoid the criticism.

4. America should have individual marking for Emerson Hyndman and Ezequiel Barco

It is not surprise that Hyndman is once again the hero of Atlanta United. Hyndman in 2019 scored the first goal against America (1-0) in the Campeon de Campeones. At the start of the MLS 2020 season, Hyndman has a total of two goals out of two games. In addition, Barco follows the same footsteps as Hyndman. Barco also has two goals in the MLS out of two games. America’s defense must watch out for these players that they can connect on the field.

5. America must take advantage of the climate and the high altitude

Mexico City is known for its 7,350-foot elevation level which can make it hard for athletes to compete. Compared to Atlanta, which its elevation is at 1,050, condition wise this can make it hard for the Atlanta players.

If America follows these steps, they will be able to win in the quarterfinals. The club must have a strong offense and press through the whole 90 minutes. Herrera should refrain from setting back the team and allow Viñas, Martin and/or Dos Santos to create danger in Atlanta’s defensive zone. America has a strong team, and should show why they are the greatest club in Mexico.

America ties 3-3 against Pumas en el Universitario. Unfortunately, in these types of clasicos, America cannot tie or lose. But not only was the score bad, but also Coach Miguel Herrera setting back the team, and allowing Pumas to score two more goals. Roger Martinez was subbed on the field at minute 60, but it seemed as if America played with 10 players. It was right for the reporters and the fans to criticize the team after the score and the mistakes made on the field.

Coach Herrera started with a 1-4-3-3 line up. According to this line up, it is set up to be offensive than defensive. America started off losing the game at minute eight, and at 31 Leo Suarez scores. Federico Viñas scores and America is winning 2-1.

It was until Herrera changed the line up and subbed out Viñas at minute 81, and in exchange subbed in Ramon Juarez, a defender. Herrera sets back the team, and now has five defenders. Not only did this change create confusion between the defenders, but also captain Paul Aguilar allowed the two goals by Pumas. In both occasions Victor Malcorra (82′) and Juan Dinneno (84′) surprised Aguilar from behind and scored. Fortunately, at the last minute (90′) Henry Martin scores and ties the game.

Even though America was able to walk out of the field with a tie, if Herrera didn’t set back the team, America would have won the game. Instead of subbing in Ramon Juarez, Herrera should have subbed in a forward for a forward, in this case subbing in Giovani Dos Santos. After the two goals by Pumas, it wasn’t until minute 88 when Herrera decided to amend his mistake by taking out Aguilar and subbing in Dos Santos.

After the game, Aguilar takes the blame for leaving the field with a tie. “I am the only one to blame that today, we leave with a tie and not a win,” he says.

Some applauded Aguilar for taking ownership for the club’s tie, but for others, it didn’t change the mistakes done on the field.

As for Martinez, despite the fans disapproving his return to the team, he was given 34 minutes to play. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, Martinez has to win the trust and the respect of the fans. But in this game, he certainly made America fans hate him more.

America’s tie against Pumas feels like a loss, and the club must recuperate mentally and physically to face Atlanta United on March 11. Herrera must refrain from tying up the team, and start risking more on the offensive side in games. If Herrera doesn’t find his best 11 players, they may have to say good-bye to the ConcaChampions.