Miguel Samudio (pictured) celebrates after scoring in Club America's 5-0 Liga MX win over visiting Chiapas on February 14, 2015, in Mexico City. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Six games into the 2015 Liga MX Clausura season, defending champion Club America (3-2-1, 11 points) trails first-place Cruz Azul (4-2-0, 14 points) by just three points.
Though a spot at or near the top of the table is a familiar position for the Aguilas, defender Miguel Samudio believes firmly that the Mexico City side is just starting to play its best football. As the first leg of a Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series approaches, that could be a scary thought for its opponent, Costa Rican power Saprissa.
“We are on the right road, America is humbly doing things well,” said Samudio, who was acquired ahead of the new season after a loan stint with Brazil’s Cruzeiro. “We work a lot during the week to be ready for our commitments because for us it is a test day to day, match to match. America is a big club and we have to be up for each match.”
After playing a string of five straight games that were decided by one goal or fewer, Club America exploded for a 5-0 win over visiting Chiapas on Saturday. Oribe Peralta led the way with two goals, but Samudio managed to make a rare appearance on the scoresheet, netting in the 32nd minute
The 28-year-old Paraguay international credited head coach Gustavo Matosas for implementing a three-man defensive alignment, which drastically increased offensive options. Entering the Chiapas encounter, Club America had scored only three goals in its previous four outings. Matosas’ adjustment in tactics paid clear dividends.
“We felt very comfortable because we had more chances to go on the attack and create more goal-scoring situations,” Samudio noted. “Personally, I felt very comfortable and we hope to keep this going.
“Hopefully, it is the start of goals.”
If that is the case, it could also fuel America’s bid for a record-equaling sixth CONCACAF club title.
