Americans open season in Mexico

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jul 27, 2009

While Mexico's national team was celebrating its Gold Cup title at Giants Stadium and Club America was playing Chelsea at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Mexican clubs got down to business in the First Division's Torneo Apertura. Jose Francisco Torres, the lone Mexico-based American on the U.S. Confederations Cup roster, did not suit up for Pachuca on the opening day of the 2009 Torneo Apertura, but four other Americans -- including two who spent most of last season in the minor leagues -- played.

Former U.S. U-20 Sammy Ochoa came on late for Estudiantes Tecos in its 3-2 home loss to Pachuca.

Fellow Californian Jesus Padilla also came on as a sub for Guadalajara in a 4-3 loss to defending Apertura champion Toluca.

Marco Antonio Vidal was back in the starting lineup for surprise 2009 Clausura semifinalist Indios in its 0-0 tie at home with Monterrey.

Loaned to Tigres, his third club of the year, New Mexico product Edgar Castillo started for Tigres in its 1-1 tie with Puebla.

The Puebla goal was scored by former MLS star Carlos Ruiz in Mexico debut.

MEXICO
Apertura
July 24-26
UAG 2 (Marioni pen. 39, Ruiz 57) Pachuca 3 (Cacho 31, Alvarez 44, Gimenez pen. 65).
Cruz Azul 0 Chiapas 2 (Peralta 17, Padilla 85).
Tigres 1 (Lobos 73) Puebla 1 (Ruiz pen. 53).
Indios 0 Monterrey 0.
Atlas 1 (Pacheco 45) UNAM 0.
Morelia 1 (Ramirez 18) Santos 1 (Mosqueda 73).
Toluca 4 (Calderon 19, Perez 36, Zinha 72, Lopez 90) Guadalajara 3 (Balcazar 6, Galindo 78, Reynoso 90).