By Robert H. KellyHOUSTON, TEXAS, (January 3, 2008) On a very cold Thursday evening in Houston where temperatures neared freezing, Group A of InterLiga 2008 kicked off with Toluca facing Atlas and Morelia playing Club America in the nightcap.
These games were marred before the tournament by criticism from players and coaches concerning the staging of the InterLiga. However, none of that showed as the Toluca and Atlas battled to a 0-0 tie.
The games was a struggle as both teams played heartily in an attempt to fight off the cold, but neither team was able to gain an advantage
The cold did not seem to bother either team; however, it definitely did make a difference in the quality of play. Players seemed rushed as the approached the ball and neither team had the offensive punch to take control of the game.
Atlas' Mario Rodriguez and Toluca's Hernan Cristante each had four saves as both teams earned a single point in the Group A standings. Toluca totaled seven shots on goal while Atlas had nine.
Toluca had the best scoring opportunity ion the second half, when Santiago Fernandez entered the game in the 69th minute and got clear 3 meters from the goal. He sent in a low shot which Rodrguez blocked with his head.
Atlas came back in extra time when defender Omar Flores headed a free kick past midfielder Eduardo Rergis that was deflected off the cross bar.
With Club America and Morelia facing off in the second game, the cold did not seem to affect the quality of play. Club America came out with a spirited attack and took control early in the game.
Midfielder Alejandro Arguello found the goal in the 12th minute on a cross shot from 25 meters out to make the score 1-0 for America.
Morelia made a good attempt to tie the score in the 45th minute as midfielder Aldo Leao Ramirez took a shot directly at the goal from 8 meters. The shot was body-blocked by goalkeeper Moises Munoz.
In the second half, Morelia drew a penalty kick in the 55th minute which could have tied the score. Unfortunately for Morelia fans, it was blocked by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
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