The passion of soccer

By RUBÉN BOZZALLA / Vida En El Valle
(Published Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 09:10AM)

SACRAMENTO -- Last Sunday, Cruz Azul and Tigres battled in a soccer exhibition at Raley Field, a match witnessed by more than 5,000 fans.

The game, part of the Fútbol Tecate series, ended in a 1-1 tie. Cruz Azul opened the scoring when Miguel Sabah converted a penalty kick while Tigres evened the score at the start of the second half on a goal by Julio Aguilar.

The match lacked great emotion as the game unfolded, and only sporadic ventures into the goal area by both teams were able to generate an enthusiastic reaction from the stands on a hot afternoon.

Taking into account that both teams are putting the finishing touches on their pre-season, fans would only hope for a limited output that lacked various adjustments that both coaches will have to improve.

Tigres coach Manuel Lapuente said his team "needs to gain 25 points in the next tournament to escape the relegation zone." However, he added, "that won't be enough to qualify for the playoffs." He then said, "The important thing is to have a good base of points for the following season, which is the most critical one."

Lapuente recognized that this will be a very difficult year considering the percentage standings Tigres is in, but added that "the group is very committed and motivated, and has had the seriousness and the importance of commitment to reach the objective."

The Tigres goal was manned by Óscar 'Conejo' Pérez, who defended the cruzalino colors for more than 15 years and, in this match, faced his former team.

"Of course, there are feelings after so many years of being on that club, which I really love because it gave me the chance to advance," said Pérez. "But, nonetheless, I am very hopeful with this new stage of my life and I want to make history with Tigres and get as far as possible."

Gerardo Torrado, a member of the Mexican national team and midfielder for Cruz Azul, praised the work of his former teammate now with the Tigres.

"I wish Óscar the best because he is a great friend and an extraordinary professional," said Torrado. "It was weird to see him in the opposite goal, but soccer has its thing and one must learn to live with them although at times they are things we don't like."

Benjamín Galindo, coach of La Maquina, also left his thoughts following the game.

"I see the team more comfortable every time," said Galindo. "With the new players, the team will feel fortified and will be in search of improving on last season when we lost in the finals to Santos."

El Maestro, as Galindo is known, added he will plan for the anticipated departure of several Tigres players who will be reporting to their national teams, not just the Mexicans but three Paraguayan players who have already been named for their team. Cementeros scorer Miguel Sabah believes the team has power and emphasized it will work very hard to overcome the frustration of last season's failure to capture the league title.

"With Benjamín (Galindo), we have the advantage of already knowing the group and have maintained the base of the previous tournament," said Sabah. "Personally, my objective is to once again be near the top of the goal-scoring tables and keep demonstrating my soccer abilities, not only to Cruz Azul, but to the new coaches of the national team."

The Fútbol Tecate series continues in Fresno where Monterrey will face Morelia on Wednesday (July 16), before moving on to North Carolina where Monterrey will face a local squad. The sponsor is also promoting Tecate Premios Deportes, which recognizes the top Latino athletes.

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