While the Aguilas' wings seem to be clipped in the Mexican Soccer Federation, they're growing new talons in the Copa Libertadores.
America is dead last in Mexico.
It's been stressful for America, because they're one of the highest-paid and oldest soccer clubs in the league, but, this season, they have yet to live up to the standards of world-class play.
It's been the same nightmare every weekend. Chalk up another one in the losses column and talk about how it will soon change for the better.
And forget the recent clasico against longtime rival Chivas of Guadalajara, because the spirit of the game just wasn't there for America. It was a mere exhibition for the fans, which Guadalajara won 3-2.
Still some kick?
America's had some good fortune, however, in the prestigious Copa Libertadores, the south American Cup. They advanced to the next round, even after a 2-0 loss to Universidad Catolica of Chile.
And how did they do it? Freakin' luck.
They tied w/ Catolica at 9 points (second place) in Group 5, but managed to score more goals, which granted them a little more life to the next round. But hey, things could change...right?
America could still get their groove on.
Here's how.
Forget the Mexican Federation, concentrate on the Libertadores. Keep yourself from getting under too much pressure, but play every match like it's a championship. Play to win the Libertadores, and not to try a new system to win in Mexico.
For the fans of America, wave your banner high, start your chanting and light up the occasional smoke bomb (bottle rockets if you like). There's still something to cheer about.
As far as the rivalry with Chivas, America advanced in the Copa Libertadores, Guadalajara didn't. That's worth at least one rocket.
In other Libertadores action...
Chivas failed to advance even after a 3-0 victory over host San Jose in the high-atmospheric conditions of the Andes in Bolivia (at least 11,000 feet in altitude, imagine that!).
A good victory, but the Chivas still fell short of moving on because Santos bumped the Chivas after a 2-1 victory over Colombia's Cucuta.
Cucuta finished atop G-6 with 11 points; Santos with 10, while Chivas fell to nine points.
Mexico's third club, the silent Atlas, finished their match tied at 1-1 with Chile's Colo Colo, but managed to advance to the quarterfinals by leading G-3 with 11 big points.