The opening game of the 2021 Guard1anes season for Club America as they host Atlas, some new signings and some departures in between the end of the Apertura season and the start of the new season. Still under the Covid rules of this world right now the game took place behind closed doors but thankfully for those at home available to watch on TUDN Mexico.
Club America got the game underway with the kick-off. Both teams look for the early advantage and as Atlas look to get in behind an inch-perfect tackle by Eva Gonzalez leaves Atlas striker Alison Gonzalez down needing treatment early on. Club America put early pressure on Atlas defence as Daniela Espinosa works the ball in behind but Atlas do well to deal with the early threat. Some good early work with quick feet by Diana Garcia wins Club America a free-kick. The opening 15 minutes you can tell that it is the opening game as both teams look to grow into the game as the scores remained 0-0. Daniela Espinosa stands over her third free-kick and she strikes it perfectly as her free kick curls and cannons off the crossbar so unluckily as it looks as if the Atlas keeper might have had the smallest touch on the 20th minute.
Club America nearly catch Atlas on the attack as Casandra Cuevas just misjudges the pass to Daniela Espinosa as Atlas managed to get back and clear the ball behind for a corner. Diana Garcia was fouled once again as she glides with the ball at her feet. Joana Robles nearly catches Renata Masciarelli out as her cross comes shot hits the crossbar on the 29th minute with both teams now have hit the woodwork. A long-range effort by Valeria Razo bends and swerves but doesn’t trouble the Club America goal. Both teams have had possession and chances but not caused the opposition Goalkeeper to make a real save in the first 30 minutes.
The ball falls to Jen Munoz who sets herself but her effort blazes over the bar and doesn’t cause the Atlas keeper trouble. Both teams trying to get the opening goal as the game and the half goes into the final 5 minutes. Club America look most likely to score but just can’t find the final link-up ball to get in to have a chance on the Atlas goal. The half time whistle went with the score at 0-0 with both teams hitting the crossbar but unable to find the opening goal.
The second half gets underway and Selena Valera is called into action early on to use her strength to stop Atlas from getting in on goal. Club America go close to opening the scoring first with a ball pulled back across the box but Jen Munoz effort is well blocked and moments later a pass back to the keeper is short and as the ball breaks it falls to Daniela Espinosa she can’t turn it goalwards is she on the full stretch. Alison Gonzalez works the ball well on the edge of the box and hits an effort at the goal but the effort goes wide of the target.
A penalty is awarded to Atlas on the 56th minute after a free kick comes into area and Casandra Cuevas is judged to have handled the ball but it looked a little harsh if honest as it bounces up of her knee and gets trapped under her arm. Alison Gonzalez steps up and hammers the ball hard and low into the corner as Renata Masciarelli goes the right way but can’t quite keep it out as Atlas take a 0-1 lead. Alison Gonzalez deserves her goal as she has looked most likely to make something happen for Atlas. A long-range effort by Eva Gonzalez finds it way straight into the keeper’s arm’s as the score remains 0-1 still.
An incredible goal by Daniela Epsinosa who else but Espinosa but as a long lofted free-kick comes in Daniela Espinosa peels off the defender and hits a diving backwards header over the Atlas keeper into the net bringing Club America level on the 67th minute as the score stands at 1-1. But Alison Gonzalez says hold my drink as she scores her second of the game and what a wonderful goal it was as a long-range effort catches out Renata Masciarelli in the Club America goal making it 1-2 to Atlas on the 70th minute.
A long-range free-kick nearly caught out Ana Paz in the Atlas goal as she had to tip it over the bar on the 77th minute as Club America chase a way back into the game. Atlas nearly make it 1-3 as some great control by Paola Garcia but Renata Masciarelli causes enough pressure to make the Atlas forward drive her shot wide of the post as we enter the final 10 minutes of the game.
A dangerous ball into the box nearly find Daniela Espinosa but the defender for Atlas just about deals with it and hooks it clear for a corner to Club America. Three minutes of injury time were added onto the game as Club America chased the game to try and get something from it as Atlas still had a 1-2 lead hoping they could hold onto the three points. But Atlas saw the game out with Club America pushing and pressing but couldn’t create anything of any substance as the final whistle went with Alison Gonzalez two goals winning the game for Atlas. A questionable penalty and two fantastic goals to open the season for both teams.
Was so happy to see Renata Huerta getting minutes for Club America. Alison Gonzalez had to take player of the match always a threat for Atlas but Diana Garcia was fantastic for Club America also.
Club America: Renata Masciarelli, Selena Valera, Gaby Lozada, Janelly Farias, Casandra Cuevas, Daniela Espinosa, Eva Gonzalez Tate, Diana Garcia, Jen Munoz, Zulma Hernandez, Jana Gutierrez.
Subs – Monica Rodriguez for Zulma Hernandez (46), Monste Hernandez for Jen Munoz (67), Renata Huerta for Jana Gutierrez (75)
Atlas – Ana Paz, Alejandra Franco, Maria Perez, Julissa Davila, Vanessa Gonzalez, Zellyka Arce, Karen Garcia, Joana Robles, Valeria Razo, Alison Gonzalez, Karla Jimenez.
Subs – Ana Garcia for Valeria Razo (46), Paola Garcia for Karla Jimenez (71)
