Posted by In a surprise opening day result, relegation-threatened Querétaro took all three points at Toluca’s Estadio Bombonera. Second-half goals from Fabián Castillo and Jesús Escoboza allowed Gallos Blancos to collect only their 5th win over los Diablos Rojos in their last 27 league meetings. Here’s how the players for both sides fared:
Querétaro (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Gil Alcalá – 6
Wasn’t really tested, with Toluca registering only two shots on goal. Nevertheless, the Querétaro academy product will be pleased with the clean sheet. Came off his line bravely to rush Pardo’s volley attempt in the 30th minute.
Right-Back: George Corral – 7
His precise cross-field balls were a potent weapon in the visitors’ attacking arsenal, with one switch nearly setting-up Castillo for the opener shortly before the Colombian winger broke the deadlock. Defended diligently, allowing Chalá little joy down the left.
Center-Back: Jair Pereira – 7
A great debut for the ex-Chivas man. Made a crucial block on Pardo’s close-range shot inside three minutes, deflecting the ball just past the front post. Was in the right place on 41 minutes to head away a Mancuello cross that seemed destined for Canelo at the back post. Led the backline well.
Center-Back: Luis Romo – 6
Looked a little slow on the turn, particularly one time in the first half when he allowed Canelo to turn at the top of the box and get a stinging shot off. However, formed one half of a solid center-back partnership with Pereira, which was the base for Querétaro’s impressive away performance.
Left-Back: Alexis Perez – 5
Although a natural center-back, Perez was used here at left-back. Was given a tough time by Pardo, struggling to deal with his trickery. Dealt well with León when he was subbed on for Pardo in the second half.
Right Midfielder: Clifford Aboagye – 6
A decent debut for the former Atlas midfielder. Looked out of place at times on the right of midfield, as he constantly looked to stay inside instead of out wide. However, this helped Querétaro control the midfield battle, as Abogaye regularly joined Sierra and Gómez to outnumber Toluca in midfield. Showed off his passing range too, with a lifted ball setting up Ake to curl just over in the first half.
Central Midfielder: Jordan Sierra – 7
The Ecuadorian was the best midfielder on show, displaying an impressive technical ability to keep the ball ticking over for his side. He was also crucial in Querétaro’s defensive work, teaming up with Jaime Gómez to limit the influence of Federico Mancuello and William Da Silva.
Central Midfielder: Jaime Gómez – 6
Playing in his preferred defensive midfield position, Gómez had a solid performance. He was tidy enough on the ball but stood out more for his defensive work. Center-back Pereira and Romo were rarely exposed over the course of the match, which speaks to the stability Gómez provided in front of them.
Left Midfielder: Jesús Escoboza – 7
A third debutant in the away side, Escoboza comported himself well in Liga MX after spending last season with second-division side Dorados de Sinaloa. He scored the killer second goal, finishing off a rapid counterattack with a composed clipped finish on his weaker right foot. Would have scored earlier but his driven shot from just inside the box was saved well by Talavera in the first half.
Forward: Aké Loba – 7
A promising start to the Ivorian’s second season with Gallos Blancos after coming to Mexico from Peruvian football. His dribbling and speed on the turn was a problem for the Toluca defense, particularly in the first half. Was able to turn Ríos multiple times, creating dangerous attacking situations for the visitors. Was quieter in the second half but still managed to draw a yellow card from Ríos in the 64th minute.
Forward: Ayron Del Valle – 9
Following the departure of talismanic forward Camilo Sanvezzo to Tijuana this offseason, Del Valle confirmed here that he has the quality to replace the Brazilian marksman. The Colombian came close to scoring on multiple occasions. A backheel flick with his back to goal left opposing defender Fernando Tobio for dead, but Del Valle couldn’t apply the finish, hitting straight at goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera. However, Del Valle did get an assist on Escoboza’s goal, turning well before playing the winger in to finish. Querétaro fans will be encouraged by the connection Del Valle showed in this match with Aké Loba. If the two forwards can keep up their understanding, they could make Gallos Blancos surprise Liguilla contenders.
Subs:
Fabián Castillo (on for Aboagye in 53’) – 9
Changed the game from the bench. Was wasteful after a brilliant first touch allowed him a chance to shoot on goal, but he instead decided to dink an errant cross towards Aké Loba. Made amends just minutes later, scoring an early contender for goal of the season with a scorching right-footed curler into the top corner. His dribbling ability and pace got Salinas sent off shortly after, and there was still time for him to start the move for his side’s second. Man of the match.
Omar Arellano (on for Del Valle in 86’) – N/R
Jordi Cortizo (on for Jaime Gomez in 86’) – N/R
Coach:
Víctor Manuel Vucetich – 10
Demonstrated why he is still one of the best coaches in Liga MX. “El Rey Midas” set his team up in a compact 4-4-2, which provided his side solidity and the ability to break dangerously on the counter through Aké Loba and Del Valle. His decision to bring on Castillo for Aboagye and switch Escoboza out to the right side won the game for Querétaro, as the Colombian Castillo cut in from the left onto his right foot to score the winner. While some may criticize his conservative tactical outlook, as long as Vucetich is on the bench Querétaro have every chance to avoid relegation.
Toluca (5-3-2)
Goalkeeper: Alfredo Talavera – 8
The main reason why Toluca weren’t at least a goal down going into halftime. Made a smart save on Del Valle before diving to his left to stop a stinging Escoboza drive a few minutes later. Could do nothing about Castillo’s opener.
Right-Back: Rodrigo Salinas – 4
Although Querétaro had found some joy down his side in the first half, he recovered well in the second until the introduction of Castillo. From there, he let the Colombian cut inside him to power home the opener, before seeing red a few minutes later for a challenge on the same player.
Center-Back: Antonio Ríos – 4
Even though he is a natural defensive midfielder, Ríos was deployed as a third center-back alongside Tobio and Mora. Never got to grips with Ake, and was turned repeatedly by the Ivorian forward after being caught too high up the pitch. Received a yellow card for a foul on Ake before being replaced by Gigliotti midway through the second half.
Center-Back: Fernando Tobio – 4
Struggled to get to grips with Del Valle, who embarrassed him twice in the first half with inventive flicks. The latter play saw the Argentinean defender pick up a yellow card for obstruction. Also struggled with the ball at his feet, hampering Toluca’s attempts to play the ball out from the back.
Center-Back: Adrián Mora – 5
The best of Toluca’s defenders. Was tidy enough on the ball, playing a raking crossfield ball to put Pardo 1-on-1 in the first half. Made an impressive last-ditch sliding challenge to stop a Del Valle through ball to Aké with the score still tied. Even if Toluca struggle this season, will benefit from the consistent playing time that he probably wouldn’t have received at Tigres.
Left-Back: Aníbal Chalá – 5
Toluca’s main summer signing had an inauspicious debut. Started well enough, with a precise first-time cross from the left touchline nearly allowing Pardo to open the scoring less than three minutes in. However, he wasn’t dangerous going forward after that, and he was caught too far upfield for Querétaro’s second goal, failing to get back in time to stop Escoboza’s finish.
Midfielder: William Da Silva – 5
With Canelo isolated up top, Toluca missed the late runs into the box that William so often provides. Had some nice moments in possession but couldn’t stop Gallos Blancos from controlling the midfield.
Midfielder: Federico Mancuello – 4
Barely involved throughout the match, as he failed to find spaces between the Querétaro midfield and defense. A few poor set piece deliveries and a yellow card for a foul on Sierra were his most notable involvements. A player of his quality can do much better.
Midfielder: Alan Medina – 5
The youngster was lively at times on the dribble and in combination play, particularly with Pardo. Was beginning to make inroads down the right at the beginning of the second half as Toluca threatened an opener. However, his influence waned as the half went on, especially with Toluca down to 10 men.
Forward: Alexis Canelo – 5
Started the game very brightly, with his mobility and link-up play worrying the Querétaro backline. As the match went on however, he struggled to assert himself as the main forward, often finding himself alone in the box with multiple Gallos defenders. Would have benefitted from the presence of Gigliotti from the start.
Forward: Felipe Pardo – 8
The home side’s most dangerous attacking player. Was a handful for Alexis Perez with his runs inside from the right. Nearly opened the scoring after a great one-two with Canelo, but steered his volley just wide of the back post. Was inexplicably subbed out for León midway through the second half.
Subs:
Giovanny León (on for Pardo in 63’) – 5
The 19-year old struggled to get a foothold in the match in only his fourth league appearance. Didn’t cause even a fraction of the danger that Pardo did when he was on the field.
Emmanuel Gigliotti (on for Rios in 65’) – 5
Saw his side go down a goal within seconds of coming onto the pitch. Barely touched the ball during his cameo, which was understandable after Toluca went down to ten men after the Salinas red card. Toluca arguably would have played better had he started.
Luis Donaldo Hernández (on for Canelo in 77’) – N/R
Coach:
Ricardo LaVolpe – 3
A disastrous day for the experienced Argentine tactician. His decision to play Rios as a third center-back when defending but as a libero when Toluca were in possession was confusing, and helps explain the Mexican player’s poor performance. Up top, his decision to not start with Gigliotti left Canelo isolated and unable to capitalize on Pardo’s good work down the right. Inexplicably took off Pardo midway through the second half when the Colombian had been the side’s best player.
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