Defensive struggles torment Liga MX favorite América

Lack of discipline has become a persistent problem

Only one Liga MX team (Mazatlán) has given up more goals than América through six games. The Aguilas are leaking goals – and it could be a lot worse if not for Guillermo Ochoa who is making several spectacular saves each night. (The keeper made four brilliant saves against San Luis to preserve the club’s 2-1 win.)

Last season, Herrera’s team gave up 11 goals in 10 Liga MX games. This season, his defense had given up 10 goals through six games. And things figure to only get worse with Valdez out for the remainder of the Guardianes 2020.

The Aguilas front office quickly went out and re-signed Luis Fuentes. The veteran defender played well for América last season while on loan from Tijuana, but the Aguilas declined the option to buy. Nobody else picked up the former Pumas star, so GM Santiago Baños scooped him up (though some might well ask why they let him go in the first place).

Herrera should have no trouble plugging Fuentes into the middle of the defense since the natural left back slotted into central defense last season on occasion.

Even if the team successfully addresses its vulnerabilities on the back line, they’ll continue to be exposed if they don’t play smarter.

Coach Herrera insists on a physical style of play, but sometimes his players go too far. This lack of concentration has resulted in three red cards through six matches. No Liga MX team has more and playing 10 against 11 is always going to be a tough ask.

One wonders if “El Piojo” might consider shifting tactics to a possession game instead of sitting back and playing for the counter. Greater possession would reduce the pressure on the defense.

One item that might encourage such a philosophical shift is the imminent return of midfield playmaker Nicolás “El Poeta” Benedetti from February knee surgery. A switch to a 4-2-3-1 (maybe with Gio back in the line-up, if he is fully fit) could help pull off the tactical adjustment.

Against Atlético de San Luis on Matchday 7, the Aguilas opened in a 5-2-3 formation (almost a 5-2-1-2 with Córdova floating behind Viñas and Martín), demonstrating Herrera’s concern with his defense.

It’s still early in the season and Herrera has a deep roster at his disposal. The question is, will he be given time to fix these issues? The “Super Clásico” is only three weeks away and the Aguilas will have four tests before hosting Guadalajara so there won’t be much time for tinkering.

If Herrera doesn’t hit upon a solution soon, those “Fuera Piojo” chants will be echoing across the Liga MX landscape.