FC Juarez Fall to Atlas in Rain Delayed Liga MX Debut
FC Juarez put up a valiant fight but lost to the new-look Zorros in a sluggish game in the Perla Tapatia. The game was delayed due to heavy rain that fell in Guadalajara and was a factor as the game had many slips and mis-hits because of it.
The first half was a sloppy affair as both teams tried to get accustomed to the field conditions. Atlas controlled possession for most of the half but was unable to get more than a few shots on Ivan Vazquez’ goal.
The second half provided us with many more thrills as both teams opened up. Los Zorros were able to get on the board early in the second half. In the 49th minute Edson Rivera headed an Osvaldo Martinez corner to the far post past the keeper.
Atlas nearly had their second goal of the night after Elio Castro lost the ball to Javier Correa who dribbled into the box and took a right footed shot that Vazquez was able to save. What followed was a melee in the Bravos box, as the defenders fought to keep the ball out of the goal until Jesus Isijara tried to lob it over Vazquez but missed high.
Bravos went on the attack after the scare and nearly found a reward in the 62nd minute when new signing, Angelo Sagal, slid to meet a closing corner kick, but his attempt went over the crossbar.
Juarez continued to attack and again nearly found the net in the 65th minute of the game. Recently subbed in Gabriel Hachen received the ball left and took a left footed curler that was deflected and missed just wide.
Bravos’ barrage continued. They came close in the 67th minute when Acosta flicked a corner kick to the second post that Elsinho re-centered from a difficult angle looking for Castro, which caused a four-player collision a few inches away from the goal line, but the ball refused to go in.
Los Zorros were able to hold off the Juarez attack in cardiac fashion or “a lo Atlas”, to secure their first three points of the tournament. El equipo fronterizo fought valiantly in their first game in Liga MX and will look to build on it and secure their first points of the tournament next Sunday the 28th when they visit Los Guerreros de Santos Laguna. The new look “Academia” will look to get their second victory next Friday when they visit Monarcas Morelia.
