Cementeros remain atop Liga MX Power Rankings

Gallos Blancos flutter back to earth, but remain in hunt

13. Querétaro (-2)

2-1-4, 7 points, 9 GF, 9 GA

The back-to-back upsets of Cruz Azul and América are distant memories as the Gallos Blancos have now dropped two straight. After the club’s 2-1 loss at Santos Laguna, goalie Gil Alcalá penned an apology to teammates and fans, blaming himself for the two goals allowed. The first one was a blast into the upper-90 that he got a few fingers on, so it’s hard to criticize him for the that. The second was a point-blank header that he could have done more with but that’s the way the ball bounces sometimes. It’s great that he embraces accountability, but his mates need to produce some offense (no goals from open play the past two games).

14. FC Juárez (-1)

1-3-3, 6 points, 6 GF, 9 GA

The Bravos fight hard and will likely improve as midfielder Marco Fabián plays himself into shape. The former Mexico international started against Monterrey and made the centering pass that led to the opening goal. However, the team is not strong enough to sit on a 1-0 lead, especially against the top-tier teams, so coach Gabriel Caballero needs to find a way to get production from his forwards.

15. Mazatlán FC (+1)

1-3-3, 6 points, 8 GF, 12 GA

It’s seems well past time for coach Francisco Palencia to insert Camilo Sanvezzo into the starting line-up to add punch to the offense. The club is tactically sound and always offers a high work rate (led by skipper Aldo Rocha in midfield), but Mazatlán needs to score goals and the Brazilian striker has created opportunities as a late substitute since joining as a free agent on Aug. 13.

16. Tijuana (-1)

2-1-4, 7 points, 5 GF, 12 GA

The Xolos underwent a major overhaul this summer and are still adapting to new coach Pablo Guede’s tactics. The adjustment was made more difficult by the departure of starters Ariel Nahuelpán and Miller Bolaños who were released after a fight. Guede is a bright, patient coach so let’s hope management gives him time to work with the youngsters on the roster.

17. Atlas (–)

1-2-4, 5 points, 6 GF, 10 GA

The Zorros lack depth and midfielder Edgar Zaldívar went down with a nasty looking knee injury on Monday night. The biggest problem is that their forwards seem unable to create space. New coach Diego Cocca is only two games into the job but he doesn’t have much to work with.

18. Atlético de San Luis (–)

1-2-4, 5 points, 9 GF, 12 GA

The Tuneros truly lack an identity and coach Memo Vázquez has not figured out how to fit the pieces together. Forwards Nico Ibáñez and Mauro Quiroga have not worked well together. Ibáñez seems to be a “shoot first, consider a pass later” type of player which nullifies Quiroga’s strength as a give-and-go sniper. More worrisome is the failure to develop a playmaker.