0
0
Mexican powerhouse Club America made their stop in Chicago to take on the newly minted Champions League club and EPL side Aston Villa. America came with a full first team lineup. Unai Emery’s Villa had several of their starters in the lineup also, excluding some of their stars who played in the summer international tourneys.
A modest crowd of 25 thousand showed up at Soldier Field on a muggy afternoon, 95% of them donning yellow and blue in support of Club America. There was a little corner section of Villa fans, but that was about it for them.
The game got off to a fast paced start. Both teams showing some fire and looking like they want to put on a show for the fans in attendance.
After an initial threat by Club America, Aston Villa’s John McGinn threads the needle to Leon Bailey who sends a curve ball shot that somehow ends up hitting the post. It didn’t look like much when it went off Bailey’s foot. The ball ricochet back and a shot followed, but missed wide.
A minute later McGinn sends another rocket that just goes wide of the post. Very aggressive play from McGinn so far. So far, best player on pitch through the first 15.
Little threat on either side after the first 20 minutes. It was a given these teams would run out of steam after getting after it early on. The midday heat and humidity was going to wear on the players, especially Aston Villa, who aren’t used to the North American humidity.
There was a cooling water break 10 minutes before halftime. The crowd really subsided since the start. At halftime, it was scoreless. The teams seem pretty even through the first 45. The second half saw a mass exodus of starters for Villa. Only the goalie Joe Gauci and defender Cameron Archer remained. America only made three subs.
Slow start to the second half, but America attacker got in front of the Aston Villa defense for a one-on-one shot, but it just went wide of the far post. Club America’s Dagoberto Espinoza, donning number 197, yes that’s a real number, had a good run on the wing and crossed a nice ball to the box, but Lucas Digne was right there to break it up in front of the goal.
The crowd came undone in the 74th when Club America’s Rodrigo Aguirre put one calmly to the back of the net past the backup keeper Oliwier Zych. The America dominan crowd erupts for the first time since the first half action, celebrations ensue, yellow smoke bombs erupt. 1-0 America! Oops, nevermind, handball was called as the players were celebrating. Crowd deflated again.
Don’t you worry America fans, leave it up to #19 Ilian Hernández who gets breaks away from the entire Villa team and gets completely loose, a flawless cross from midfield gets to him with only the goalie and goal in his sight. Hernandez puts it away and we are back to 1-0. Crowd rewarded in the 77th minute. 1-0, for real this time.
That was all she wrote. Club America takes it 1-0. Winless stateside trip for Aston Villa, who dropped their opening game in Columbus, then Leipzig (in a game few were aware of) and now Club America in Soldier Field. Both teams showed up to play in this friendly, against tough weather conditions. Credit both clubs for bringing in formidable rosters.
Up next, Aston Villa will head back home and prepare for the start of the Premier League season, while Andre Jardine’s Club America will get ready to play in the Leagues Cup second round.
OBSERVATIONS:
- A surprisingly half packed stadium with 25K and change in announced attendance. Granted Lollapalooza was next door and it was a midday start time. Still expected at least 30K, considering days prior Real Madrid and AC Milan sold out the stadium and caused the worst Chicago traffic I ever witnessed.
- Some Villa debuts in this game by two prominent players that will be key to this season, summer signings Ian Maatsen and Youri Tielemans.
- I figured Club America would have a huge showin, but surprised how little supporters were there for Aston Villa.
