Bullhorns were blaring, drums pounding, flags waving and the fans bouncing at Estadio de Harder.
Mexican professional soccer took over the UCSB stadium on Sunday afternoon, and it was the fans of Atlético Morelia who left the happiest of the estimated 9,000 at the fiesta as their team defeated Club América 1-0 in an exhibition game.
The game’s only goal came in the 57th minute on a beautifully executed play. Forward Miguel Sabah, who entered the game in the second half, ran down a through ball on the right side, took it toward the end line and hit a crossing pass into the penalty area, where Mario Moreno, timing his center run perfectly, one-touched the ball past América goalkeeper Milton Aguilar for the game winner.
“Fortunately, I had the touch for the goal that helped us win against America, but in the big picture it’s all about playing in the game and trying to improve and keep getting those opportunities like today,” said Moreno.
The goal quieted the predominately pro-America crowd, but only momentarily. A large group of fans of the Aguilas (Eagles) soon were back at it in the south end zone, jumping up and down and cheering on their team under large yellow ribbons that were tied from the top of the stadium to the hand railing below.
In a corner of the east grandstand, a smaller group of Morelia fans all wearing red- and yellow-striped jerseys of the Monarcas (Monarchs) danced back and forth in unison for most of the afternoon.
With mariachis performing at halftime — and fans still savoring Mexico’s win over Costa Rica on Saturday in a World Cup qualifier — this was one heck of a Sunday fiesta.
This was a rare chance for fans of the two teams to see them play at such a small venue.
Although Club América came in shorthanded — six of the club’s players were called up to their respective national teams for World Cup qualifying matches, including three for Mexico—the Aguilas were the more dangerous side in the first half.
Andres Chitiva of América created a good opportunity for himself in the 24th minute. He had the ball 16 yards out and fired a low shot on goal, but Morelia’s Luis Fernando Silva redirected the ball wide with a spectacular sliding kick save.
The Aquilas came close again a minute later after a corner kick. The ball ended up at the feet of Armando Sanchez in the box, but Sanchez hit his low shot wide of the far post.
América’s Joaquin Martinez drove the ball into the box and fired a shot that was saved by Moises Munoz in the 37th minute.
Munoz then came up with the save of the day in the 43rd minute. He came off his line and knocked the ball away before Robert DePinho could get his head on it.
Sabah almost scored for Morelia just before halftime. He picked up a deflected ball in the box and ripped a shot on goal, but América defender Lampos Kontogiannis helped out his goalkeeper and kicked the ball away.
Morelia came out flying at the start of the second half and almost scored in the first two minutes. Moreno hit a hard shot that deflected off an América player and slammed off the post.
The Aguilas, meanwhile, continued to frustrate themselves and their fans with missed opportunities.
Enrique Esqueda had a one-on-one with goalkeeper Munoz but he couldn’t get off a shot. He laid the ball back to Joaquin Martinez who also was unable to convert.
Things got worse for the Aguilas. They had to play the last 11 minutes down a man as defender Rodrigo was ejected after he was caught retaliating against Morelia’s aggressive Sergio Blancas.
The Monarcas reigned on this day, but overall, Sunday’s event was a royal treat for local fans of both teams.
