With less than two weeks before the start of the Apertura 2024 season, Club América faced off against FC Juarez. A friendly that took place in El Paso, TX at the Sun Bowl Stadium this past Sunday. With a water downed roster due to many players out on international duty, André Jardine gave his youngsters a chance to shine and potentially earn a spot with the senior team. A decision that resulted in a 1-1 draw in where once again América’s youth players fall short against the team from the border.

América’s Youngsters Fall Short Vs Juarez Again

Reminiscent of Last Years Match

América’s academy players are no strangers to playing against Juarez. It was only just a year ago when Jardine debuted in the league against Juarez having to play a young squad due to players being out on international duty. A similar occurrence happening this time around. Last year America was able to field a strong XI for the most part with majority of the youngsters coming off the bench. This time around Jardine opted to field a full starting XI of young players, testing them to see which one of them was ready to take that leap forward to the senior team.

The game didn’t start off well as the youngsters conceded early on in the match. Things would then progressively get worse as Miguel Vázquez would miss a penalty right before halftime. Things weren’t all bad, América held good ball possession throughout majority of the match. The team had spells of dominance in where they played fluidly from the midfield. The only thing missing was the divisiveness in the final third to play a good ball in. In the end Vázquez would get redemption as he would find the back of the net after another missed penalty (this time from Esteban Lozano) was taken and Miguel was quickest to the rebound.

Best Youngsters For América

While the result wasn’t the best, there was a couple of players that stood out on the night for América. There is no certainty that these players will be able to make the jump from academy to senior team so seamlessly, but with the new youngster rule implemented by the league this season it’s pretty safe to say one of these youngsters will feature for América this upcoming season.

Miguel Ramírez

Miguel is no stranger to playing for América in these types of friendlies. He's become a regular name for América when ever they play these Tour Aguila matches. With that said he was probably one of the most experienced players on the pitch Sunday and it showed. His composure on the ball and his ability to move around and dictate play was impressive. While there is still plenty of room to grow Miguel was the shining star that will hopefully grow to a rising star in these upcoming months for América.

Miguel Vázquez

Vázquez had a solid game at center back for América. Despite missing the penalty before halftime, Miguel did well in the instances he was called upon. He did well in the backline and was composed when ever he needed to go 1v1. On top of that his redemption came later in the second half where he would find the back of the net. Which speaks volume of a center back who's so eager to make up for his mistake. There's no telling how much opportunity he may get this upcoming season with América. He has players like Ramon Juarez, Igor Lichnovsky, and Sebastian Caceres ahead of him, but if needed Miguel looks ready to answer the call.

Whats Next For América?

It will be a busy week for América as they get ready for next Sunday's Supercopa MX showdown against Tigres at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The first official trophy on the line for América this season and one that the team will be eager to get. On top of that the team has many moving pieces in the transfer window going on. With Julian Quiñones gone the team is surly working on finding his replacement ahead of the start of the season.