Pachuca’s stats in the Liga MX are pretty abysmal: just one win, four ties, two losses, only four goals scored, and the only somewhat bright spot is that they have allowed “just” seven goals. Even with all of their great acquisitions in the off season, having The Great Hugo Sanchez as head coach, and more recently adding super-billionaire Carlos Slim as a minority owner, Pachuca simply has not done well. Now, thanks to the lenient structure of the Liga MX, they are just three points off from a spot in the playoffs. The time to act is now though, any more failures and a playoff spot will be gone.
If you ask me, I would say that Pachuca’s failures are due to Hugo Sanchez’ general ineffectiveness in the head coach position. He doesn’t have Mario Carrillo at his side anymore, now he has to rely on his own coaching talent, and it’s not looking so well. This game against Morelia will be a tough test, one that Pachuca has to pass if it wants to remain within striking distance of a playoff spot.
Morelia, on the other hand, is doing pretty well, having three wins, three ties, and just one loss, which was incurred in Week 7. They have scored 11 goals and allowed only six, an overall well-balanced team that can play tough against any opponent. Romano has done a good job coaching this team, a Morelia squad that has accustomed us to seeing them in the playoffs. They will be itching for a win after a disappointing loss at home against a struggling Pumas.
Prediction: Pachuca has had a tough time scoring, and Morelia has a pretty good defense (and a better attack). I expect Hugo Sanchez will play his same wishy-washy style, not attacking too much, and if he scores first, parking the bus. Morelia is probably looking to rebound from a loss by getting at least a point, so look for them to try and get a tie. This match has draw written all over it. The score will be Pachuca 1 – Morelia 1.
Television: The Pachuca vs Morelia Apertura 2012 match will be shown on Univision Deportes this Friday, September 14 at 8:30 PM Eastern.
