Follow BallHype on TwitterJuly 19 --- Qualcomm Stadium: The 2008 InterLiga finalists faced off at San Diego's largest venue tonight. Matches in southern California are rare for both of these Mexico City teams, so this friendly competition was an exciting night for them as well as for the many local fans.
The last futbol held at Qualcomm - June's Mexico v Argentina friendly - set an all-time San Diego attendance record for any soccer match. 68,498 - a crowd larger than for most Chargers games held in the same venue - witnessed a loss for El Tri, but the anticipation by the local fans and resulting success of the event brought this new opportunity for the two great Mexican club teams to meet here now.
(see Saturday night's result and link at bottom of page)
In February, Club America defeated Cruz Azul in the InterLiga Final at the Home Depot Center. This rivalry - known in Mexico as "Clasico Joven" - is one of the biggest in Mexico. Already one of the richest teams in all of the Americas, the InterLiga win only added to Club America's popularity and renown. In that Final, America's win came in a PK shootout, after regulation and overtime left them tied at 3-3.
(AP photo: America's Salvador Cabanas celebrates '08 InterLiga win)
America has won 10 Mexican first division titles, while Cruz Azul has won 8 championships. America also finished second in their group in this year's Copa Libertadores, behind only Argentinian power River Plate. Cruz Azul made it to the Final of the most recent Mexican league championship (the Clausura), but lost to Santos Laguna. This was the final match for both teams before the Mexican league Apertura season begins.
Update: As for the result tonight, Cruz Azul proved the victor, 2-1.
Additional reporting on this match in both English and Spanish via MVN Soccer http://mvn.com/soccer/ (features updated through the weekend)
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(a BallHype Original article)
getin2thegame
posted 7/19/2008
Tonight's match at Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego MLS Project —
... only Argentinian power River Plate. Cruz Azul made it to the Final of the most recent Mexican league championship (the Clausura), but lost to Santos Laguna. This is the final match for both teams before the Mexican league Apertura season begins.
Tonight's match at Qualcomm begins at 8 pm. Tickets available at Ticketmaster outlets (online sales not available same day of event), by phone at 619-220-TIXS, and at the Stadium box office (9449 Friars Road, San Diego).
Story Source Link
Match Preview from the San Diego Union-Tribune
Mexican clubs clash @ the Q, rematch of 2008 InterLiga Final
San Diego eXtreme Sports Coalition —
... only Argentinian power River Plate. Cruz Azul made it to the Final of the most recent Mexican league championship (the Clausura), but lost to Santos Laguna. This is the final match for both teams before the Mexican league Apertura season begins.
Tonight's match at Qualcomm begins at 8 pm. Tickets available at Ticketmaster outlets (online sales not available same day of event), by phone at 619-220-TIXS, and at the Stadium box office (9449 Friars Road, San Diego).
Story Source Link
Match Preview from the San Diego Union-Tribune
Another international ‘friendly’ in San Diego tonight…
The World's Beautiful Game —
... only Argentinian power River Plate. Cruz Azul made it to the Final of the most recent Mexican league championship (the Clausura), but lost to Santos Laguna. This is the final match for both teams before the Mexican league Apertura season begins.
Tonight’s match at Qualcomm begins at 8 pm. Tickets available at Ticketmaster outlets (online sales not available same day of event), by phone at 619-220-TIXS, and at the Stadium box office (9449 Friars Road, San Diego).
Original Match Preview Link
