Queretaro's Wilson Tiago (left) looks to move ahead while being held by a San Francisco player during their Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League game on August 4, 2015. (Photo: Mexsport)
QUERETARO, Mexico – Queretaro became the 12th Mexican team -- out of 14 -- to taste victory in its first-ever Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) game, earning a 2-0 victory over visiting San Francisco on Tuesday, before a crowd of 24,062 at the Estadio Corregidora.
For Victor Manuel Vucetich, the most successful head coach in the competition’s history with three titles, the performance met his expectations.
"We started on the right foot in the CONCACAF Champions League,” said the 60-year-old. “The entire group showed good structure with strong elements. We found it difficult at first, but learned to handle the situation and start with a win.”
After a scoreless first half, the Gallos Blancos secured the three points thanks to goals by Emanuel Villa (his 12th in SCCL play) and Victor Milke. In registering a clean sheet, neither the defense nor goalkeeper Edgar Hernandez were seriously tested. Only two San Francisco shots were on target all night.
“Second half adjustments were made and the team improved a lot,” Vucetich remarked. “We took more risks and were more intense up front. Good scoring opportunities were generated. They could get two, "he said.
The former Monterrey chief was also happy that some players who had yet to see action in the opening two Liga MX Apertura matches – such as Danilinho Veron, Kevin Gutiérrez and Milke -- got minutes against the Panamanian side.
"For those who had not played [in Liga MX], that was important. It gave them the required rhythm,” noted Vucetich. “Danilinho participated for the first time after not being in preseason. The balance is good to sharp and we lift the level, which is most important.”
With the first Group C game in the record books and three more to follow -- starting with a visit to Belize’s Verdes FC on August 18 -- Vucetich only sees his squad getting better.
"What we did in the second half should strengthen us,” he finished. “The team should give greater intensity and rhythm. It is early [in the season] to be 100%. We started in good form because of preparation and seek to grow.”
