America came into their semifinal 1st leg against Chivas on a conga line of goals (they defeated Atlas 6-4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals), but found the defense of Chivas much harder to crack.

There was early pressure from both teams in the 1st half with both teams creating chances. Chivas had the early pressure, but it was Blanco who came closest with a flick that hit the back post. Chivas created a great chance in the 30th min. with the striker Bravo just missing also at the back post.

America threatened again in the 40th min. when defender Castro tried his luck from outside the 18 with a shot that sailed just wide of Oswaldo Sanchez and the post. Despite the pressure, it was goalless as the teams went into half time.

The tide turned in the 53rd min. when Morales slotted home a penalty after Chivas striker, Bautista was brought down by Castro in the penalty area. Bautista then turned provider in the 61st min. when his cross from the right was headed home by Mexican International, Oscar Bravo.

America clawed back in opportunity in the 88th min., but striker Cabanas’ penalty effort was saved by Sanchez and then thwarted on the follow up rebound.

America goes back to Aztec Stadium on Sunday for the 2nd leg with the pressure of having to score 3 goals and keep a clean sheet to get to the Finals.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 1st, 2006 at 9:00 pm and is filed under Soccer World, Mexico. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.