3 Things from Liga MX Week 2, and more

3.     Bad news for Liga MX rivals: América getting younger.

The Aguilas have a reputation for playing rugged defense and they entered the Guardianes 2020 figuring to lean on their veteran defense. Then “Los Azulcremas” were waxed in their final two preseason games, giving up 4 goals in each.

To make matters worse, only 10 minutes into the Liga MX Season Opener, central defender Emanuel Aguilera, 31, was carted off the field with a knee injury and coach Miguel Herrera inserted 20-year-old Sebastián Cáceres.

América had acquired the Uruguayan expecting him to serve an apprenticeship before stepping into a starting spot alongside Bruno Valdez, 27. After two straight solid performances, however, the changing of the guard might already be taking place. Herrera will feel no need to rush Aguilera back.

Jorge Sánchez, 22, has already displaced long-time captain Paul Aguilar, 34, at right back while another Eaglet – 21-year-old Adrián Goransch – has won a roster spot as a back-up defender.

Meanwhile, the double pivot is manned by Richard Sánchez, 24, and Santiago Cáseres, 23, with Fernando González, 26, on stand-by.

Up front, fresh blood is available in the form of winger Leo Suárez, 24, striker Federico Viñas, 22, and Sebastián Córdova, 23. And over the weekend, Aguilas management acquired Sergio Díaz, 22, from Real Madrid.

“El Piojo” – unlike the notoriously recalcitrant “Tuca” Ferretti” at Tigres – is unafraid of relying on youngsters, and with the new 5-substitution rule he should be able to keep his team fresh throughout the season. That’s not good news for all those América-haters out there, especially since the Aguilas are off to a fast start.