America could barely beat Puebla 1-0 in the start of the preseason
With a goal from Patricio Salas, America defeated Puebla 1-0, in the start of the preseason for the Clausura 2026 tournament
The Eagles of America started the preseason of the Clausura 2026 tournament discreetly by defeating Puebla 1-0, in a match held at the Ciudad de los Deportes stadium, where both teams showed that they were barely ready. They're shaking off the rust from the winter break.
The winning goal was scored by academy product Patricio Salas, justifying America's greater effort and, above all, their more offensive approach against a Puebla side that was quite enthusiastic but lacked the necessary polish to aspire to a better result.
The most striking aspect of the match was that America didn't field any new faces in their lineup, relying on most of their squad from last season while awaiting potential changes during the remaining registration period for the upcoming tournament, which will be unique in that national team players will not participate in the crucial part of the playoffs.
Thus, players like Henry Martin, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Alex Zendejas saw action, while it remains to be seen whether players like Obed Vargas, Cesar Montes, or Agustin Palavicino will be transferred or ultimately arrive, with the aim of bolstering a squad that faces many challenges in regaining its former privileged position. occupied.
America's planning does not include another match before their Liga MX debut on January 9 against Xolos de Tijuana, where coach Andre Jardine is looking to assemble the most competitive lineup to seek victory over the border team.
It will also have to be decided whether Henry Martin will be traded to the Seattle Sounders as part of the exchange that could bring Obed Vargas to the Americanista squad, which could undoubtedly serve as a platform for him to be called up more frequently to the Mexican national team in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Another point to be addressed is the matter of Alvaro Fidalgo, whether there is actually an option for him to go to Europe with Valencia or Sevilla, or otherwise stay at America to aspire to be called up to the Mexican national team as a naturalized player.
whose authorization will take effect on January 28.
In this way, Fidalgo could appear in the February squad, where a training camp and a friendly match are scheduled, as well as for the March match against Portugal at the reopening of the Azteca Stadium.