In what was meant to be a home match for Club America, the change of venue to Estadio Azteca due to poor pitch conditions at Estadio Jalisco failed to benefit the hosts. America yet again dropped vital points in a match that was there to be won. Club America’s underwhelming performance display raises concerns for manager André Jardine, who will be under heavy scrutiny.
Unacceptable result at home. #AguilasEng 🦅 #LigaMxEng pic.twitter.com/IjG2TkpoCR
— The Eagle Eye Podcast (@EagleEyePodcast) August 21, 2023
Club America Underwhelming Performance vs Atlas Analysis
Last Minute Venue Change
The drama surrounding Club America’s match against Atlas began long before the opening whistle. The original venue was meant to be the Estadio Jalisco. Earlier this week the America Femenil match against Atlas was postponed due to poor pitch conditions following a Romeo Santos concert. The league stated they would keep a close eye on the the state of the pitch. Come Saturday the league made the announcement to move the game to the Estadio Azteca just 24 hours before kickoff. The sudden change of venue undoubtedly disrupted Atlas preparations for the match but it was America who acted like the switch disrupted them. The change of venue was the talking point ahead of the match as the league made the decision so abrupt. Cramming the game into the Azteca just two hours after Cruz Azul played against Santos Laguna.
🎥: @ClubAmerica next match 🆚 @AtlasFC could be at risk thanks to @RomeoSantosPage 🕺🏼😅
🎧 Listen to the podcast for more ⬇️@ApplePodcasts: https://t.co/cuSOBoFlv6…@Spotify: https://t.co/izv647Wluy…#AguilasEng 🦅 #LigaMxEng pic.twitter.com/kIlF2eLZKE
— The Eagle Eye Podcast (@EagleEyePodcast) August 18, 2023
Underwhelming Performance
Despite having home field advantage, Club America’s problems on the pitch continued. The 1-1 draw against Atlas was the fourth consecutive match in which America struggled to find their rhythm and put together a cohesive performance. Under Jardine, the team has been plagued by a lack of fluidity in their play. Club America’s build-up has been slow and predictable, and their final passes lacked the precision and creativity needed to unlock opposing defenses. This trend continued against Atlas, where America dominated possession but struggled to convert their dominance into goals. This is now the second match at home where Club America dropped crucial points against “favorable” opponents. The fortress that once was the Estadio Azteca seems to be fading for Jardine’s side.
Defensive Concerns and Quiñones Struggles
The match saw a continuation of the defensive issues that have plagued Club America this season. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, America’s defense allowed Atlas to open the scoring in the 23-minute, with Jordy Caicedo capitalizing on a cross from Brian Lozano. That goal was the only shot on target Atlas was able to register the entire match. Defensive liability has been a recurring theme for America. They struggle to shut down opposing attacks effectively and manage games properly. Too many times does this defense get caught out in transition and is easily outpaced at times by opponents. Its clear that this team is need of reinforcement in the back to have any hope of turning things around.
Switching focus from defense to the attack, Americas striker was again poor. Julián Quiñones, who was expected to be a key player for America, once again struggled as the lone striker. While Quiñones did play a role in America’s equalizer in the 41st minute, his overall performance was underwhelming. Quiñones has failed to consistently make an impact as the lone striker, and his struggles in this role have contributed to America’s attacking problems.
Last Word: Looking Ahead
Club America will now turn their focus to Wednesday’s match against Necaxa. After another disappointing performance, the team needs to bounce back and secure a win. Manager André Jardine must address the team’s shortcomings and find a way to get the best out of his players. The match against Necaxa will be a crucial test for America, and a positive result is needed to get their season back on track.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports, of an Estadio Azteca Headshot, on April 29, 2023.
