Club América

Club América is a Mexican Professional football club based in Mexico City. It competes in the Primera División, the top professional league in the country. The team's nickname is Las Águilas (Spanish: The Eagles).

América was founded on October 12, 1916, and is one of three football clubs owned by Televisa (along with Club San Luis and Club Necaxa).^[1] The club has a long standing rivalry with Club Deportivo Guadalajara, as both are the most successful and most popular clubs in Mexico. Matches between them are known as El Súper Clásico. The team plays its home games at the Estadio Azteca.

América is one of the most successful clubs in Mexico. Domestically, the club has ten national titles, which places it second overall. Besides having ten domestic championships, América have eight FIFA recognized international club trophies, the most for a club from Mexico and the CONCACAF region. They have won five CONCACAF Champions' Cups, two Copa Interamericana cups, and one CONCACAF Giants Cup, tying them with Bayern Munich, Olimpia, and Étoile du Sahel.

In 2010, The IFFHS named América "Central and North American club of the 1st Decade of the 21st Century".^[2]

History

Foundation

By 1916, soccer/futbol was already a popular sport in Mexico, particularly amongst college students in Mexico City. College students from Colegio Mascarones and Colegio Marista De La Perpetua formed two football teams with the names Récord and Colón. On October 12, 1916, the two squads decided to join to make a more competitive squad. Many names were considered for this new squad, but finally, Pedro "Cheto" Quintanilla, one of the players, suggested América since they had formed the team on Columbus Day (Día del descubrimiento de América). The players agreed and soon designed a crest which had the map of America with a 'C' for Club and an 'A' for América on each side. After they had created their logo, the players had to decide on their team colours. Rafael Garza Gutiérrez went to get some of his father's navy blue trousers and a yellow shirt and it was decided amongst the group that those would be the club's colours.

In the year 1916, Club América had to prove itself in order to be accepted into the Mexican Football League, which primarily consisted of foreign players. At the time, América was the only team in Mexico City with an all-Mexican club. Necaxa, Atlante, Real España, Germania, and Asturias were already members of the Liga Mayor De La Ciudad. América's acceptance into the league depended on 3 games. In order to be accepted, América could not lose any of the three games. To the surprise of many, América won two games and tied the third. América was accepted as a result and formed part of the league.

In 1918, the team changed its name to due to bad results with the original name. The new name didn’t fare too well either and was changed back to América in 1920.^[3] From 1924 to 1928, América was crowned league champion and was able to attract impressive crowds. In 1926, América became the first Mexican club to play outside of Mexico.^[3] Aside from broadening their horizons, Club América along with Atlante petitioned to reduce the number of foreign players in the league. Shortly after the Mexican Football Federation was formed in 1928, Rafael Garza Gutiérrez, América's founder, was designated as the National Team head coach. Most of the Mexican national team that participated in the 1928 Olympics and 1930 World Cup were players that played for América.

Professional Era

1940s Mexican League beginnings

Up until 1942, every league in Mexico was considered a regional league even though the league in Mexico City was considered the strongest of them all. In 1942–43, the first National League was established and it was known as the Liga Mayor (Major League). Club América wasn't the team it had been during the 1920s on through the early 1930s. Aging players, lack of resources, and lack of interest took its toll on the club which led the team to become a bottom feeder for much of the beginning stages of the professional era⁷.

In 1956, the club was sold to soft drink manufacturer Jarritos. The new owner was trying to build upon the club's National Cup titles in 1954 and 1955 against Guadalajara, their soon to be rival. To the dismay of many, the owner failed to build upon the previous success and on July 22, 1959, Emilio Azcárraga Milmo, owner of Telesistema Mexicano (Televisa), bought América from Isaac Bessudo.^[4] It is said in Mexico that the club was founded in 1916, but reborn in 1959, with the vision and values that were set forth by the son of Televisa's founder, Emilio Azcárraga Milmo. The vision he embarked upon was to convert football into a form of entertainment for the masses. Following the acquisition, Azcárraga told his players, "I do not know much about football, but I do know a lot about business, and this, gentlemen, will be a business⁷".

The team saw quick successes as a result of the good actions that Cañedo managed to take as the new owner. On April 21, 1964 at the Estadio Universitario de San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, the team, now coached by Don Alejandro Scopelli beat the Monterrey 6–5 in the championship match of the Copa México. During that evening, Alfonso Portugal had a memorable game scoring 5 of the 6 goals for América; José “Pepín” González scored the other goal to get the championship. In 1965, América again reigned the Mexican "Copa", beating the "Canarios" Morelia 4–0, on March 7 at the Olympic Stadium in Ciudad Universitaria. Goals were scored by Javier “Chalo” Fragoso and Vavá, each one scoring a pair.

It was obvious to Emilio Azcárraga that football in Mexico needed an antagonist. The new owner strived to be the villain. Soon after, the club started to spend obscene amounts of money in acquiring foreign talents, which offended fans. Emilio Azcárraga hired the Mexican League's most successful football executive of that time, Guillermo Cañedo, as President. Ignacio Trelles was hired as head coach. It was then that Emilio Azcárraga revolutionized the game of football in Mexico. He laid down a foundation for the club's future by investing in scouting, player development, infrastructure, and merchandising⁷. He marketed his team both at the national and international level which allowed the club to enjoy financial growth. Under Azcárraga, the team has won 10 League championships, the first being the 1965–1966 season.

1978 First Copa Interamericana

In 1978, América participated in their first Copa Interamericana, playing against Boca Juniors. América would win the championship by a score of 1–0, with a last second free-kick goal by Chilean player Carlos Reinoso. That match would become one of the most famous in history for the club, the competition, and the Estadio Azteca. América would become the first team from Mexico and from the CONCACAF region to win the competition.

1980s The golden age 1983–1991

During the 1980s America was an unforgettable team. They were always considered a favorite to win the championship in any tournament they participated in. They won the league five times, including three consecutive titles: the 1983–84 season, the 1984–85 season, the Prode 1985, the 1987–88 and the 1988–89 season. They also won the Mexican Super Cup twice, in 1987–88 and 1988–89. And they won the 1987 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. During this era America was nicknamed Super Águilas as they won five league championships, three of which were against their archrivals (Chivas, Cruz Azul, and Pumas). Yet, after being Mexico's Team of the decade, it also became the most hated during this season. Fans who opposed Club America during the 1980s were clearly opposing the rules that were being bent favoring America. For instance, the 1985 season was the shortest in history due to the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. The terrible refereeing in the 1987–88 final against Pumas favored America even though Pumas won 1–0. The fans of América replied to this hatred by creating the slogan which in Spanish it became known as: "Odiame mas", which in English translates into "Hate Me Some More" or simply "Hate Me even More".

1990s A decade to forget

The 1990s would be a decade to forget for fans of the yellow clad warriors, with nothing to show for except a CONCACAF Cup in 1990, an Interamericana Cup Championship in 1993, and a CONCACAF Cup Championship in 1992. Years came and went with Televisa spending exorbitant amounts of money on both Mexican and South American players. There were even a few European and African players, as well. This was done with a view to returning the club to its former glory. As it turned out, it was as nothing more than currency that was not well spent, to say the least. Internationally renowned coaches and executives were also brought to the team. This, too, produced no results which just added to the team's woes. The only bright spots of the decade were the appearance of new young stars who were developed in the club's youth squad. These included players like Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Germán Villa that would be instrumental to the team's success later on.

2000s A new century

The new millennium brought renewed hope for Club América's fans, who would be rewarded quickly, with a CONCACAF Giants cup in 2001, the first League championship in 13 years in the summer of 2002, and the team's tenth overall league title in 2005.

In 2006, América qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup. In this tournament, América won its first match against the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Korea). América went on to lose the next match against FC Barcelona (Spain). It ended its participation in the tournament, losing the 3rd place spot to Al-Ahly (Egypt). They finished 4th in the 2006 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.

2007

After a poor performance in the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup, América started the Clausura 2007 off on a slow start, but quickly recovered and qualified for the playoffs, beating Atlas and Chivas in the quarter and semi-finals. They played the finals against CF Pachuca, finishing runner-ups.

They would then participate in the Copa Panamericana 2007, losing the semi-final match to Boca Juniors 1–0.

América would then participate in the inaugural SuperLiga championship, being eliminated in the group stages with a record of one match won, and two lost.

For the Apertura 2007, after the signings of Argentinians Federico Insua and Lucas Castroman, and Uruguayan forward Hernan Rodrigo Lopez, América looked like a strong favorite to win the title. After starting off the season on a poor run, coach Luis Fernando Tena was sacked as coach, and the job was given to América legend Daniel Brailovsky. They finished the tournament third in their group and sixth in the standings, they played Morelia for the last spot in the playoffs, being beaten 3–0 in the first leg, and winning 1–0 in the second leg. With this, América was eliminated from the competition.

América also participated in the 2007 Copa Sudamericana, reaching the finals to play against Arsenal de Sarandi of Argentina. They would lose the first leg at the Estadio Azteca 3–2, and win 2–1 in Argentina. The aggragate result was 4–4, but due to the away-goal difference, Arsenal won the championship.

Although 2007 was a bad year for "Las Aguilas", they managed to stay withtin the Top 20 in the IFFHS's Club World Ranking.

2008

The Clausura 2008 saw América end in last place in the general standings. This had not been seen since the mid 1950s. In the first 5 months of 2008, América was showered with 12 defeats, 2 draws and 3 victories, along with three straight championships without qualifying for the playoffs. The coach at the time was Ruben Omar Romano, who was one of the least successful coaches the club has ever had. Ironically, after being replaced by Juan Antonio Luna, América got their third victory of the Clausura over Monterrey 1–0. Then América played well in the Copa Libertadores, beating Brazilian side Flamengo 3–0, thus advancing to the quarter-finals. They were later eliminated from the tournament in the semi-finals.

2010's A new decade

For the Apertura 2010 América brought back former manager Manuel Lapuente. The return of Vicente Matias Vuoso to the club and the signing of Uruguayan Vicente Sanchez gave América one of the most dangerous front lines in all of the league. They finished the season in first place of Group 2, and fourth in the general table, with 27 points. With this, they would advance to the playoffs, and automatically qualify for the first time since 2008, for the 2011 Copa Libertadores. They would be eliminated in the semi-finals by Santos, with a 4–5 aggragate score.

After a disappointing 2010, Las Aguilas would have a bad start in 2011. With a 0–2–1 record in the first three games the Clausura tournament, Manuel Lapuente was sacked as coach. His successor would be América legend Carlos Reinoso^[5], who had already coached the club two times before. His first game was against Atlas, a game that they won 2-0. He ended the Clausura 2011 with an 8-1-5 record for him. They would be eliminated in the quarter-finals by Monarcas Morelia.

Ricardo Peláez Era

On September 18, 2011 Carlos Reinoso would be sacked as manager. Alfredo Tena took over as manager for the rest of the season. América would finish in 17th place, the second worst finish in the club's history. On November 10, Michel Bauer stepped down as President. The same day, ex-América player Ricardo Peláez was presented as Sporting President, while Yon De Luisa would be named Operations President. They will work together under a new council of directors.

Miguel Herrera was presented as the club's new coach, the fourth in a year.

Stadium

Main Article: Estadio Azteca

América plays its home games at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The stadium was designed by Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, and was inaugurated on May 29, 1966, with a match between América and Torino, which was tied 2–2. The Azteca is also the only stadium in history to host two World Cup finals. The first goal was scored was by Brazilian Arlindo Dos Santos and the second one by Brazilian José Alves "Zague". The opening game was between Club América and Torino F.C. on May 26, 1966, with seats for 120,000 spectators. Later the Italians tied the game and it ended 2–2. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz President of Mexico made the initial kick and Sir Stanley Rous, FIFA President, was the witness.

A modern lighting system was inaugurated on June 5, 1966 with the first night game between Valencia C.F. and Necaxa. The first goal of the game was scored by Honduran José Cardona. In this game, Roberto Martínez o Caña Brava scored the first goal made by the Mexican team. The final score was 3–1 in favor of Valencia C.F..

There is a Commemorative plaque with the names of the first goal scorer in the first daylight match and in the first night game.

Aztec Stadium is also the site in which Pelé, and Diego Maradona lifted the trophy for the last time. Pelé and Maradona are considered by many as the best football players of all time. This occurred during the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup), the Jules Rimet Trophy and the current FIFA World Cup Trophy, respectively.

The stadium has also hosted the 1968 Summer Olympics, 1970 FIFA World Cup, 1975 Pan American Games, 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship, 1986 FIFA World Cup, 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, and 2011 U-17 World Cup Final. It has also hosted major international club tournaments such at the Copa Interamericana and the Copa Libertadores de América.

Aztec Stadium has also been used for musical performances throughout its history. Michael Jackson (in 1993),^[6] U2 (in 2006),, Elton John, Maná, Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel, Gloria Estefan, Jaguares, Lenny Kravitz, Ana Gabriel, The Three Tenors all have become part of the stadium's spectacular history. The stadium has also been used for political events, including Mexican president Felipe Calderón's campaign closure in 2006, as well as religious events, like the appearance of Pope John Paul II in 1999.^[7]

Rivalries

El Super Clásico

Main Article: El Super Clásico

• América vs. Guadalajara
  • The first confrontation between what are considered the two most popular teams in Mexico ended with a victory for Guadalajara with a score of 1–0.The rivalry began to flourish after the second match when Club América defeated Chivas de Guadalajara with a score of 7–2. Although the huge defeat sparked embarrassment within Chivas, it was almost two decades before the rivalry became The Clásico. Their meetings, which have become known as El Clásico, are played at least twice a year and signal a national derby. One of the very reasons why these two teams are arch rivals is because in 1983 and 1986 these two clubs brawled with each other, raising excitement among the fans, thus every time they play it is considered a match that everyone will remember.^[8][9] To this day, El Clásico continues to raise huge excitement in the whole country as well as in other parts of the world where there are fans of either team. The intensity of the game is lived so passionately that every time these two teams contest a game, regardless of what position they are on the charts or what level they show throughout the league, it is always considered the most important game of the season.

^[10]

Clásico Capitalino

• América vs. Pumas
  • The Rivalry between Club América and Club Universidad Nacional known as the "Clásico Capitalino", is one of the strongests rivalries between two of the most popular teams in México,^[11] played between two of the three teams which represent Mexico City and the metropolitan area of the Primera División de México.

The first match between these two clubs was on July 1, 1962, where América hosted UNAM who had recently been promoted from the second division.

This match represents two opposites poles in football; América symbolizes lushness and high class of society, while UNAM represents students at the coliegete level since the club is part of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, more importantly Latin America.^[12]

Clásico Joven

• América vs. Cruz Azul
  • The Clásico Joven is disputed between two of the four most popular teams in Mexico^[11] Club América and Cruz Azul. Both teams play in Mexico City, even though Cruz Azul originated out of Jasso in the state of Hidalgo.

Personnel

Management

• Owner: Emilio Azcarraga Jean
• Operations President: Yon De Luisa
• Sporting President: Ricardo Peláez

Current staff

• Manager: Miguel Herrera
• Assistant manager: Santiago Baños
• Technical consultant: José Luis Arce
• Fitness coach: José Rangel
• Goalkeeper coach: José Torruco
• Team doctors: Alfonso Díaz Rivera and Joaquín Ledezma
• Youth Academy director: Jesús Ramírez
• Scout: Vacant

Players

For recent transfers, see List of Mexican Football Transfers Winter 2011-12.

Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Reserve team

America U-20

Reserve team that plays in the U-20 tournament coinciding with the regular season tournament. The games are held in Estadio Azteca.

America U-17

Reserve team that plays in the U-17 tournament coinciding with the regular season tournament. The games are held in Instalaciones Club América Coapa.

Out on loan

Notable players

• Sources:^[13][14]

Records

Top scorers

All-time records

Managers

Winning managers

Presidents

Honours

Domestic

Amateur Era

• Primera División (4): 1924–25, 1925–26, 1926–27, 1927–28
• Copa México (1): 1937–38
• Copa Challenger (1): 1927

Professional Era

• Primera División (10): 1965–66, 1970–71, 1975–76, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1988–89, Verano 2002, Clausura 2005
• Copa México (5): 1953–54, 1954–55, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1973–74
• Campeón de Campeones (5): 1955, 1976, 1988, 1989, 2005
• InterLiga (1): 2008

International

• CONCACAF Champions' Cup / Champions League (5): 1977, 1987, 1990, 1992, 2006
• CONCACAF Giants Cup (1): 2001
• Copa Interamericana (2): 1977, 1990

Friendly

• Liga Excélsior (1): 1920
• Copa Vizcaya (1): 1920
• Copa Baltamar (1): 1922
• Junta Española Covadonga (1): 1927
• Copa Presidente Gustavo Díaz Ordaz (1): 1964–65
• Copa Independencia (2): 1966–67, 1974–75
• Copa Revolución Mexicana (1): 1980–81
• Cuadrangular Ciudad de México (1): 1981
• Trofeo Águila Azteca (1): 1982
• Copa de las Naciones (1): 1983
• Trofeo de la Vendimia (1): 1983–84
• Triangular Ciudad de México (1): 1987
• Copa Cofraternidad (1): 1988
• Copa Pachuca (1): 1997
• Cuadrangular Los Angeles (1): 1999
• Cup of Texas (1): 2004
• Copa San José (1): 2006
• Copa "El Mexicano" (1): 2008^[15]
• Copa Insurgentes (1): 2010
• Copa Reto Águila (1): 2010

International competitions

References

External links

• Official team website
• América results and statistics at RSSSF