Most of the focus for this weekend's Copa de Tejas was on Everton and its English
Premier League pedigree.
And after Everton cruised to a 5-2 win over Pachuca Thursday night, the attention
appeared warranted. But Club America was determined to show Sunday that professional
soccer can be played on this side of the pond as well.
Club America started strong and finished stronger, polishing off the Toffees
3-1 to capture the second annual Copa de Tejas. Maybe it shouldn't have been such
a surprise. Club America simply continued its strong season after advancing to
the Copa de Libertadores quarterfinals earlier this year. Everton, while playing
in perhaps the world's premier league, is coming off a 17th-place finish and played
without its star forward Wayne Rooney.
Club America jumped on top in the 19th minute on a gorgeous sliding goal by Ignacio
Torres. The lead remained at one through the half. In the 57th minute, Pavel Pardo
buried a shot from outside the box to push the lead to two goals.
Everton scrambled late as Marcus Bent headed a left-footed cross into the net
in the 88th minute. But as the Toffees pulled everyone forward, Club America got
a two-on-none breakaway in the final seconds. Pardo dinked a pass to Marcelinho
Reinaldo, who netted the clinching tally.
While Everton is currently struggling, Sunday still marked a great result for
Club America and the Mexican Premier League.
