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Can Cruz Azul contend for the Clausura title?

By Thomas Buckley

Cruz Azul players trudge off the pitch after losing to Atlético San Luis at Estadio Azteca last season. The Cementeros have been in a funk since losing the Apertura 2018 Finals (Photo by Carlos Ramirez/Getty Images)
Cruz Azul players trudge off the pitch after losing to Atlético San Luis at Estadio Azteca last season. The Cementeros have been in a funk since losing the Apertura 2018 Finals (Photo by Carlos Ramirez/Getty Images) /
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Cruz Azul in a funk
Luis Romo poses between general manager Jaime Ordiales (left) and team president Guillermo Álvarez after signing a contract with Cruz Azul on Jan. 6. (Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

Will hurried roster overhaul change the Cementeros’ fortunes ?

The New Year dawned with questions about who was truly in charge. Former team vice president Víctor Garcés had defiantly proclaimed he was making the decisions even though Liga MX headquarters did not recognize him as a team official. “Billy” Álvarez was still fending off new charged of fiscal hijinks and Ordiales seemed to be stuck in the middle.

The taciturn Ordiales calmly stood above the turmoil and faced the media as the roster got a makeover. Other than Jurado, the promising young goalie, there were no splashy signings, but seven players were sent packing or loaned out. A classic case of addition by subtraction.

In came functional young veterans including Luis Romo who could be the answer to the Cementeros’ midfield issues. Romo was a Cruz Azul academy player who was released when he was only 17. The Sinaloa native latched on with Querétaro and developed into a fine defender. Last season, coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich named him team captain and moved him up into a holding midfield role where he thrived to such an extent that he earned a call-up to El Tri.

When Cruz Azul first targeted him in December it was thought that Romo’s bitterness over his release would prevent the Cementeros from getting his signature. That’s when Ordiales stepped in. Ordiales had been as assistant GM with the Gallos Blancos before joining Cruz Azul and his relationship with Romo allowed him to convince the potential All-Star to return to the Cementeros.

Finally, as the transfer window was snapping shut on Friday, Cruz Azul inked Ecuadorian Jonathan Borja, a creative midfielder, and the Cementeros’ roster shuffle was over. Now it is up to coach Siboldi to get results or Ordiales could be looking for a new manager.

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