Recent national team regular without a BigSoccer following enters as a sub in a scoreless match against UNAM Pumas. Team earns a disputed penalty shortly after. Jonathan Rodriguez, overlooked player born in Florida, takes the penalty - which is saved, bounces off the crossbar, and pops up for Rodriguez to head home for 1-0. And he was born in Florida, Uruguay, which is a real place.
Zendejas looks to be the right midfielder in a 4-4-2 on defense, and "wherever the hell I feel like" on offense. Flashing his top speed a couple of times beyond what his Pumas counterparts can match.
Zendejas suddenly heavily involved in stoppage time. Takes a corner that's called a "terrible servicio" by by Univision friends, and then receives a clever pass into the box and is completely run over by a sliding defender who clears it and then yells at Zendejas for diving. On a counter, makes a clever run that winds up with him crossing over to the left to roll a ball across the six yard line to try to set up the clincher, but cleared away.
Full time 1-0 win. Zendejas pretty quiet until stoppage time, when the fact that Club America's right winger was the focal point spoke well of their success killing the game and going top of the table.
Alex starting against Necaxa, wide right attacker. Headed a cross over the crossbar. The most interesting thing in this game is that each team has had a player sent off for striking an opponent in the face, though not at the same time. Never seen that before and it’s hilarious.
Zendejas starting on the road in Nicaragua against Real Esteli - champions cup. Can I tell you anything about a single player on this team? No I cannot. Can they keep Club America in check? Guess we’ll see.
Zendejas rolls one in front of the goal - a step beyond the reach of his teammates. Keeper was near post preventing a shot, so it would have been a tap-in. he’s playing wide right.
Zendejas beats two defender with a volley over and gets fouled - advantage played and it leads to a corner. That was clever. Hurt a little bit by the foul.
Ball rolled across the six, Hernandez whiffs, Zendejas misses the frame from the six yard line. Keeper was down - on frame probably would have scored.
Dominating possession but breaking down as they approach the box. Zendejas frequently tucking inside when advanced trying to be a central playmaker. just now, Zendejas wins a physical battle for a bouncing ball in the box and attempts a cutback pass for the assist, but great defender surge to get there first. and now Alex draws the most dangerous free kick of the night 30 yards out - foul was closer than that I’m pretty sure.
Awesome skill and hustle in the attacking corner by Zendejas, beating two defenders and chipping a cross to a dangerous spot, but defense wins the header.
Zendejas the most active and creative attacker of the half, so would probably get good reviews if he hadn’t shanked his best chance.
Real Esteli use their first corner kick for Fletes to head it in for 2-0. With only three attackers in the box for a corner kick.
Zendejas draws yellow - Alex initiates some contact but looks like he got hit in the nose in response, maybe drawing blood. Zendejas questioning lack of a red card, but it’s not happening.
Zendejas starts against Cruz Azul. Had a sweet early cross that the recipient put over the bar, but America score less than a minute later on a sweet goal by Quinones. Potential offside VAR call.
And another goal called back. Zendejas with a 25 yard blast forces a rebound, but all three wide open teammates who capitalized on that rebound and put the ball in the net were offside.
Zendejas gets the start in the semifinals vs. Chivas. Cowell and Leo Sepulveda on the Chivas bench; I'd think Cowell and Chicharito are likely offensive subs.
62nd minute and Cade Cowell is joining the fun. Zendejas switched from left wing to right wing at half, and America has looked better so far in the second half than they did in the first.
Zendejas with an awesome chest trap to his own head, beating a defender, gets intentionally fouled but no call, and a second defender gets there while he’s stumbling from the contact.