Week 1 of the Apertura 2012 of the new Liga MX can be seen as a disappointment. This is due to the hype created by the many spectacular new player signings like Raul Tamudo, Nery Castillo, Pablo Barrera, or Luis Garcia to name a few; these either did not play or they are still not in form. Also, the buzz created by the new Liga MX was that the game is going to be more spectacular, but this was not the case as there were few goals, and many ties. Overall, few teams like Tigres, Santos, and Xolos played close to their high potential and they were one of the few things to rescue from the first week of the Mexican soccer league.
FutnSoccer Power Rankings Week 1:
1. Santos (Previous: 1(=); Standings: 4) Santos is the reigning champ, and although their game against San Luis was not the best, they were still able to come out with an important first win of the season.
2. Tigres (Previous: 4(+2); Standings: 1) Tigres has been a Mexican league powerforce of late, and this is exactly what they were against jaguares who they beat 4-0. with their talent and well-coaching, this team has the league title as their only goal.
3. Monterrey (Previous: 2(+1); Standings: 8) Monterrey played a difficult match against America at home, but they are still on preseason mode. Their high rank is because although they did not win, they also did not lose against one of Mexico’s best, meaning the earned point was a success.
4. America (Previous: 5(+1); Standings: 8) Like Monterrey, America is still not in superb form, but playing in a very complicated stadium like the Tecnologico means that a tie was a great result.
5. Xolos (Previous: 10(+5); Standings: 2) Xolos was poorly ranked in the preseason because their new player signings were worse than the players that left during the offseason. However, their game against Puebla showed the same balance, and defensive productivity that we saw all last season when they made the playoffs.
6. Toluca (Previous: 12(+6); Standings: 4) Toluca played an excellent first half against Chivas, which nonetheless led to their first victory. This team’s greatest offseason signing was in the coach’s slot because under Enrique Meza Toluca can aspire to a low playoff seed.
7. Cruz Azul (Previous: 6(-1); Standings: 8) Cruz Azul played well against Morelia but a goal was missed by their fans. This teams needs to improve on their scoring opporunities.
8. Pachuca (Previous: 3(-5); Standings: 8) Team with too much talent. They disappointed all Liga MX fans with their boring 0-0 tie against Atlante. Pachuca will improve their game and keep being a favorite for the title.
9. Morelia (Previous: 8(-1); Standings: 8) Morelia played a good match against Cruz Azul. The defense was great, the offense was fair, but most importantly, they demonstrated that the loss of many players during the offseason will not hurt them.
10. Pumas (Previous: 7(-3); Standings: 6) Pumas showed they have a dangerous offense, and a good defense. However, coach Joaquin Del Olmo cannot play as defensively after scoring a goal again. The tie falls entirely on his hands because he played defense for more than 45 minutes to protect a one goal lead.
11. Atlas (Previous: 9(-2); Standings: 6) Atlas showed they still have a good defense by tying Pumas 1-1. This team is well balanced and will be a danger to others.
12. Leon (Previous: 14(+2); Standings: 2) Magnificent first victory for Leon who returns to the first division after 10 years. Great squad with good talent, and most of all, good heart. These players play with everything they have and Leon will be a team to watch this season.
13. Chivas (Previous: 11(-2); Standings: 14) Against Toluca they played a miserable first half that seemed kids, not professional were playing on the field (actually, many are barely adults!). The second half showed a promising future for this young squad, but they need quick points to not fall to desperation.
14. Atlante (Previous: 15(+1); Standings: 8) Atlante is a team with a weak offense, a weak bench, a good defense, but most importantly a great coach (Ricardo LaVolpe). Their 0-0 tie against potent Pachuca is a sign that this team will play a conservative game and they could be the surprise team of the season.
15. Jaguares (Previous: 13(-2); Standings: 18) The greatest disappointment of Week 1. Jaguares were no-where to be seen; they were on preseason mode; they forgot they were playing at home. This team has the talent to fight for a playoff seed but they need to improve quickly.
16. San Luis (Previous: 16(=); Standings 14) San Luis played an intelligent match against the reigning champs, Santos. This team showed they can play against anyone, but their weaknes is their lack of talent. This is a team that will be mid-table all season long.
17. Puebla (Previous: 17(=); Standings: 16) Puebla has an interesting squad with many new faces. However, against Xolos they seemed tired, they lacked concentration, and their offense was disastrous. If they cannot win games early in the season, expect this team to make early management moves.
18. Queretaro (Previous: 18(=); Standings: 16) Queretaro had a disappointing offseason transfer period, a disappointing preseason, and their first game in front of its own crowd against newly promoted Leon was not different. This team has no communion and therefore are clear favorites to lose the relegation fight.
