Club Atlas - Mapping the way to success

[ninjaskill]

View attachment 60332
Club Atlas are a Mexican team who have been in the top league of Mexico, the Liga MX, very consistently. However, despite being in the league for 90 of the 94 years it has ran they have only managed to win 1 league title in 1951. Made all the more impressive as Mexico awards two league champions per year and has done so for the last 20 years. Atlas have at least managed to pick up three Mexican cups with wins in 1946, 2950, 1962 and 1968 meaning the club is hitting 50 years with no trophies. The goal for this save is to make it so that the club can move up from having a trophy shelf to a trophy cabinet.

Club Overview
View attachment 60331Atlas are a Guadalajara based team so have a strong rivalry with Chivas, their slightly more successful rivals who only use Mexican players. The club play at the Estadio Jailisco a 54,500 seater stadium, that according to FM is owned by a team in the 3rd Division but we use, which was the base for the Brazil team in the two Mexican world cups. Atlas are known for their academy having produced players like Andres Guardado, ex Mexico top scorer Jared Borgetti and Rafael Marquez among others.

Key Players

Leiton Jimenez
View attachment 60330
A Colombian centre back is our best player and out for 7-8 months with a cruciate ligament injury that will see him miss all of the Clausura unfortunately.

Jefferson Duque
View attachment 60329
Our best uninjured player he is unfortunately on-loan and division rival Morelia with us paying all his wages and unable to recall him from the loan. It is the same with a number of players as Mexican teams seem to loan each other a ton of players.

Rafael Marquez
View attachment 60327
An academy graduate who has returned after a successful spell in Europe and in the Americas. The defensive midfielder is vastly experienced and talented for this level also able to cover at centre back. However, in a recurring theme for my best players he will be unavailable for a while as he has a random two month suspension in the middle of the season.

Ravel Morrison
View attachment 60328
The reason most people in the U.K. have heard of Atlas ex-United youngster Morrison is on loan at the club from Lazio. At 15% of our wage budget if he doesn't perform he will be out of the club in no time.

Season Preview
View attachment 60326
We are predicted to be involved in a three way battle to avoid the one relegation spot in the league along with newly promoted Lobos and Nexaca.

Liga MX

View attachment 60324
As it is a league people may not be familiar with I should explain how the league works. All the 17 teams play each other once and then the top 8 teams play a knock out tournament with the winner winning the league, meaning the team in 8th can be declared the league winner. There are two of them per season the Clausura and the Apertura and after that one team is relegated.

View attachment 60325
Relegation is decided by the Average Points table over the last 3 years with one team going down per year. A very poor 2015/16 season where we ended with 31 points, the least any team has for one season, puts us in a challenging position to avoid the drop with only Veracruz currently behind us who have played games with newly promoted Lobos not counting as they haven't played games.



​

 

[ninjaskill]

Pre-Season

With a team considered not very good I felt it was important to find a good tactic for the team to maximise our ability I settled on this.

View attachment 60323
We'll be playing on the counter as we aren't as good as most other teams in the division.

Friendlies
View attachment 60311
A pretty poor series of games sees us only win a game against our reserves and the low point of a loss to a semi professional French team

Transfers

We had some money to spend but, I turned most of it into wage budget and picked up a number of frees. Although did buy a couple players. No big players left just some youngsters out on loan.

Edgar Duenas
View attachment 60322The vastly experienced Mexican centre back joins as we really lack depth at the position. He'll be a solid back up and can tutor some younger players. Ideally he will only be around for a year.

Johnathan Fabbro
View attachment 60320
A product of Boca's youth system Fabbro has played for both them and River Plate, although he spent most of his career in Paraguay who he represent internationally. He has been in Mexico for the last few years and will add depth at AMC and AML.

William Arboleda
View attachment 60319
It cost $22k to get him from second tier Celaya. The CM/AMC looks decent but has already had a couple minor injuries so hopefully that doesn't become an issue.

Wilder Guisao
View attachment 60318
Signed after Tolouca released him following a number of loans the winger provides us with a option at left wing which we really needed. He will likely be the starter there and can also cover the right wing.

Maicon
View attachment 60317
The vastly experienced Brazilian joins us on a one year deal as we needed a right back. More than talented enough for our squad hopefully his physicals hold as he could be a key player for us.

William Tesillo
View attachment 60316Our most expensive signing at $210k to prise him from Santa Fe the Colombian international will step in to start at centre back and can cover right back if it is needed.

Omar Bravo
View attachment 60315I wanted another striker for depth so signed the vastly experienced Omar Bravo. He represented city rivals Chivas for most of his career but also spent two years on loan from them at Atlas, likely won't see much action but should do the job if needed.

Fernando Pacheo
View attachment 60314
The young Peruvian won the league with Cristal last year and it took $180k to convince them to send him north. The vastly talented youngster should get a lot of minutes as we lack quality on the right wing.

I also signed a few youngsters who won't feature this year

View attachment 60321View attachment 60312View attachment 60313​

 

[ninjaskill]

July/August Update

The schedulers gave us a tough start to the league and we also get our group draw for the Copa MX, being put in a group with Puebla and second division Zapatecec with first place guaranteed to go through and second place likely to.

CF America 3-2 Atlas
View attachment 60272Technically a 1st vs 2nd game although that was just due to the alphabet. Guisao was played in by Vigon and hit a low strike past the keeper. America hit back with three goals in 8 minutes around the hour mark Dominguez fired in a low shot from the edge of the box to equalise, Montes headed in a free kick to put us behind and Dominguez grabbed a second smashing in a knock down from Peralta. Guiaso pulled a late goal back when the ball broke to him in the box and he curled a nice effort into the top corner but, it was to little to late. Not a bad performance against one of the better teams in the league.

Copa MX

Atlas 0-0 At. Zacatepec
View attachment 60271
A pretty uninspiring start to the Copa MX and we draw at home vs a second division side in a pretty even game.

Atlas 0-2 Tigres
View attachment 60270
Tigres are probably the best team in Mexico currently and showed it with a convincing win over us. Gignac put them ahead ten minutes into the second half sweeping in a cross at the near post. Juninho confirmed the win for Tigres heading in a corner at the end of the game.

Copa MX

Puebla 1-2 Atlas
View attachment 60269
Goals from our two ex United players hands me my first win in the cup, along with some wasteful finishing by Puebla. Morrison put us ahead just before half time, a cross was headed out of the box to him and he sent a powerful volley in past the keeper. Henriquez headed in a Fabbro cross from close range after being left unmarked by the Puebla defence. Puebla hit back soon after, Cavallini rising highest at the back post and powering in his header.

Atlas 2-1 Monterrey
View attachment 60268We follow up the cup win with a first league win in a game full of late drama. Pacheo got us in front after 71 minutes, Vigon headed a clearance back into the box and Pacheo managed to get off a powerful volley on target to put us in front. Monterrey seemed to have grabbed a point when they scored with five minutes left, Castro flicking on a cross for Hernandez who hit a low shot from close range past Ustari. Fabbro popped up late to get us a winner, Maicon went on a driving run into the box beating a couple men played a one-two and then squared the ball to a wide open Fabbro to fire in from close range to give us the late winner.

Atlas 0-1 Pumas UNAM
View attachment 60267
We allow Pumas to claim their first win of the season as they sneak an even game. Erick Torres scored the only goal of the game just after half time, a long clearance by a defender played in Torres and he slipped a low shot past Ustari to condemn us to defence.

At. Zacatepec 1-0 Atlas
View attachment 60259
A dispiriting loss for us to a second division side and it puts in a poor position to get out of the group. Rodriguez scored just before half time, a close range finish of a cross. We couldn't create many chances to get back into the game and took a disappointing loss.

Nexaca 2-2 Atlas
View attachment 60258We claim a decent point away to Nexaca in an end to end game. De Jesus got ahead of all our defenders to power in a header past some poor goalkeeping from Ustari. Caraglio got us level just after half time, Guisao hit in a nice cross and Caraglio powered a header in. De Jesus got Nexaca back in front a couple of minutes later, a nice short corner routine got the ball to De Jesus in space inside the six yard box and put us back behind. Pacheo got us back level a couple of minutes later, Caraglio brought down a pass in the box and got tackled, the ball fell to Pacheo and he had a simple finish to level the game. Both sides had chances to win the game but neither of them took them.

Pachuca 0-0 Atlas
View attachment 60257A change in goalkeeper saw us claim a point as we played out a scoreless draw with Pachuca, both keepers made some decent saves but neither was overly challenged in a dull game.

Atlas 0-1 Toluca
View attachment 60256We continue our poor form with a tight loss to Toluca. Quinones scored the only goal of the game after 12 minutes, cutting inside and curling a shot into the top corner.

Leon 0-1 Atlas
View attachment 60253
We claim our second win of the season and again it is thanks to a 93rd minute goal. With none of my strikers having done much I decided to give Bravo a half to show what he can do and after lots of defending he took the one good chance we created, the ball was worked wide to Maicon in acres of space and he fired in a low cross that Bravo turned in past the keeper to give us our second win of the season.


Liga MX Table
View attachment 60255
In a tight table the win against Leon sent us flying up the table to 11th place. Impressively three teams are still unbeaten.

Liga MX Relegation table
View attachment 60252Despite being 11th we are only one spot clear of relegation and Lobos average move a huge amount with every game giving the lack of games they have so far. We have to improve our form to try and overtake a team with a full two seasons of results to make us safer.​

 

[ninjaskill]

September Update

We faced a much easier month of fixtures than our first and would be looking to take advantage of it and move away from the relegation spot. With the poor month beforehand I decided to change formation, with my strikers struggling to score I decided to try and be a bit more defensively solid.

View attachment 60227
Marquez also begins his random month and a half suspension and will be back on the 22nd of October.

Copa MX

Atlas 0-2 Puebla
View attachment 60226
We fall to a disappointing loss to Puebla to start the month off and put us in cup jeopardy. Fraga made a massive mistake to put us behind early, dropping a cross that was right to him under no pressure at the feet of Carreno who had a simple tap in. Carrena scored a late second goal with the only other shot on target in the game, firing a bullet header into the top corner. Even with a late red card the Puebla goalie had a simple game.

Atlas 3-0 Puebla
View attachment 60225We get quick revenge in the league against Puebla with Ustari restored in goals after Fraga's poor performance. We took an early lead through Vigon, he sprinted ahead of his man and headed in from a corner to put us in front. Fabbro doubled our lead soon after. His free kick hit the wall and fell to Henriquez who played it back to him and Fabbro hit a low shot past the keeper. Pacheo rubber stamped the win with a late goal, scoring the rebound of a Henriquez shot. Puebla also picked up another late red card against us to compound a bad day for them.

Cruz Azul 0-4 Atlas
View attachment 60224
Henriquez ended his goal drought with an impressive second half hat trick to give us a commanding win over Cruz Azul as we begin to find some form. Henriquez scored his first ten minutes into the second half, poking in a cross from Reyes at the near post. He got his second 15 minutes later, his close range shot right at the keeper somehow snuck over the line and in. Aguirre popped up to grab his first Atlas goal after 76 minutes, Cruz Azul headed a corner away Henriquez headed it back into the box and Aguirre fired in a volley from close range unmarked. Henriquez finished off his hat trick late on, with most of Cruz Azul forward trying to get a consolation Vigon hit a long clearance and Henriquez won the race to the ball. The goalkeeper seemed to fall before the shot was hit allowing for an easy finish to seal the hat trick.

Santos Laguna 1-1 Atlas
View attachment 60223A late goal by Caraglio keeps are unbeaten run going against last place Santos Laguna. They went in front after 16 minutes, Djaniny was in on goal and squared the ball to Furch to give him a tap in. After lots of pressure Caraglio got the late goal to level the game and keep our unbeaten run going, Morrison chipped a ball over the defence Caraglio beat a man and then fired a powerful shot in past the keeper.

Tijuana 2-2 Atlas
View attachment 60221

We twice come from a goal down to draw against a Tijuana side doing well so far. Bou put us behind after 28 minutes, we failed to fully clear a corner and Aguilar headed a ball back across goal and Bou fired in at the back post. We hit back seconds later through Guisao, Morrison played in Henriquez and his shot hit the post before Guisao fired in the rebound. Miller Bolanos had Tijuana back in front soon after, another corner bounced around the box and Bolanos fired in the loose ball. Morrison scored an equaliser in the second half to earn us a point, Vigon teed up Morrison at the edge of the box and he hit a low shot past the keeper from outside the box. A decent point to end the month.

Liga MX
View attachment 60217Our impressive month sees us get into the playoff positions, although with teams behind us still having games to play we could fall out of those places.

Average Points Table
View attachment 60216Despite being near the top of the table we are also very close to being in the relegation spot only Queretaro having a poor season so far is keeping us from being in the relegation spot.
​

 

[ninjaskill]

October Update

A quiet month for us due to the international break and having the off week in the Mexican Cup. We do have three winnable games this month so hopefully we can entrench ourself in the playoff spots.

Queretaro 0-4 Atlas
View attachment 60196We hammer Queretaro who are having a poor season as our unbeaten run continues. Morrison put us ahead early on, a cross was headed out of the box and Morrison took a touch before firing a low shot into the bottom corner. Henriquez doubled our lead from the spot after being taken down trying to get onto the cross. Vigon made it three before the half, Aguirre headed down a corner and Vigon fired a low strike past the keeper from close range. Vigon wrapped up the win with a fourth goal in the second half, Morrison chipping a pass to Vigon that he smashed home. A very good win for us over a talented team.

Atlas 2-0 Chivas
View attachment 60194We win our first Guadalajara derby with a tense win over Chivas. Tesillo put us in front after 29 minutes, Morrison whipped in a cross Aguirre knocked it down and Tesillo's finish at the back post hit a leg and snuck across the line to put us in front. Guisao confirmed out victory with a goal in injury time, Pacheo found space on the right wing and whipped in a cross that Guisao was able to tap in at the back post. A good win to get the fans on side and winning a derby is always nice.

Atlas 1-3 Veracruz
View attachment 60193
The scoreline is a bit harsh as we had every chance of emerging from this game with a point. Murillo put them in front just after the half hour, tapping in after getting the ball squared to him. Guisao levelled the game for us midway through the second half, Aguirre putting in a good cross that Guisao volleyed in at the back post. Veracruz took the lead with six minutes left, scoring with a powerful finish when in on goal. Henriquez saw a penalty saved with two minutes left and Veracruz countered and put the game away with Bravo volleying in from a cross.

Other News
View attachment 60191
Morrison has really excelled in the deeper role of CM and as such I managed to get his loan extended by another year. It will end in the summer of 2019 as will his contract with Lazio so hopefully we can snap him up on a free.

Liga MX Table
View attachment 60189We sit an impressive 4th place, however we are level on points with 7th so it is very close as teams head into the last few games looking to secure playoff spots.

Liga MX Relegation Table
View attachment 60190We look somewhat comfortable but, Lobos average could quickly change and we aren't far ahead of the other teams so despite being fourth we do still have to keep an eye on the relegation spot.​

 

[ninjaskill]

November Update

We face a decisive couple of games as we look to cement our place in the playoffs.

Morelia 1-2 Atlas
View attachment 60055We come from behind thanks to a Henriquez brace. Sepulveda put us behind after 16 minutes, getting onto a cross from deep and heading past Ustari. Henriquez had us level soon after, throwing out a foot to divert a Pacheo cross in. Henriquez put us in front just after half time, putting in a Ravel Morrison cross from point blank range. Morelia were reduced to ten men when Osuna picked up his second booking for taking down Pacheo. The only downside to the game was Pacheo picking up a late injury.

Lobos BUAP 2-2 Atlas
View attachment 60054
A 20 minute spell of goal scoring ended with two goals a piece as did the match. Rodriguez put us behind when his near post header hit the post and went in. We quickly hit back through Henriquez though, Reyes hit in a cross that bounced around in the box until Henriquez fired low and hard past the keeper. Fabbro put us in front just before the half hour, Maicon hit in a good cross and Fabbro was in space to cushion a volley in. We didn't lead for long though as Rodriguez levelled the game up for Lobos 8 minutes later powerfully firing in from a cutback after finding space in the box.

The result sees us finish fifth in the table, better than predicted and means we will face the team who finished fourth in the league.

View attachment 60053
It means we will face a two legged tie against Club America with the first leg at home for us as we look to end a massive trophy drought.​

 

[ninjaskill]

Playoff Quarter Finals

We will be taking on Mexico's most successful team as we both look to claim a spot in the semi finals of the Linguilla. A quick point on the rules two 90 minute legs will be played if scores are level then away goals are used and if those are level then whoever finished higher in the league, in this case Club America, will advance.

Injuries
View attachment 59652
Ravel Morrison will miss out all potential playoff games we could be involved in with a hernia, it is a massive blow as he has been one of our best players so far this season and will leave a big hole in the middle of the park. Pacheo also picked up a knock but will be able to be a sub from the start.

Other News
View attachment 59651I picked up a two year extension as a reward for getting the team into the playoffs at the first attempt.

Leg 1

Atlas 2-2 Club America
View attachment 59650
It was looking pretty good until Quintero picked up a late goal to draw the game level and leave us likely needing a win in the Azteca. Fabbro put us in front just before half time, Vigon played the ball into the box and Henriquez fired off a low first time shot on target. Fabbro was on hand to tuck in the rebound and put us in front. Ibaurgen levelled the game 10 minutes after half time, Garcia hit a deep cross in and at the back post at a seemingly impossibly tight angle Ibarguen fired in on the volley. Pacheo and Caraglio got us back in front 5 minutes after they both came on, we launched a counter and Maicon whipped in a cross. It was headed up by a defender and Pacheo won the second header and headed the ball to Caraglio to volley in from in front of goal. Quintero grabbed a key late goal for America with a powerful strike five minutes from time, chesting down a long ball and firing in the half volley past Ustari.

Leg 2

Club America 1-0 Atlas
View attachment 59646
A poor performance sees our season come to an end, we were terrible for the first 70 minutes and only created any chances when I put on three strikers. Peralta scored late on to confirm our knockout re-directing a shot by Corona in off the post as America counter attacked ruthlessly.

The first half of the season ends for us and it wasn't a bad half season as we get into the playoffs and perform well above expectations.

League and Cup Winners
View attachment 59645
An Andre Pierre Gignac led Tigres beat America in the final to claim the Apetura win for the third season in a row.

View attachment 59644
Meanwhile in the cup it was an upset as Morelia claimed the cup with a narrow win over Cruz Azul in the final, it was a cup full of upsets with only one of the semi finalists also making it to the playoffs.​

 

[ninjaskill]

Winter Transfer Update

We weren't very active in the winter window but a few moves were made.

Outgoing
View attachment 59643Three players left us on loan with Lucena and Arbedloa going out for 18 month loan spells and Leiton Jiminez heading down to Colombia for 12 months. Our only permanent outgoing transfer saw Rafael Marquez head to China, he hadn't been able to reclaim a spot in the starting lineup after missing the 6 weeks through suspension and as he was our second best paid player I didn't want him on our wage bill. Yifang offered us $110k and he was off to China.

Incoming Transfers

Just the one incoming player as I looked to stick with those who had helped us to a fifth place finish

Franco Perez
View attachment 59642With limited options and success with our strikers so far I brought in Franco Perez on loan from Morelia for 18 months. We don't pay any of his wages so really no downside to the deal, he'll be the third choice striker so should see some minutes and could potentially work his way up.
​

 

[ninjaskill]

January Update

We get started on the second league championship of the season with a very busy month including some cup games.

Atlas 0-3 CF America
View attachment 59496
The fixture list gave us the chance to get revenge on America for the playoff loss and in no way did we take that chance. Jimenez seemed to forget which team he was on as after Ustari pushed a shot onto the post and from point blank range Jimenez fired the ball into the back of the net coming nowhere near clearing it and leading to me getting rid of him. Quintero and Montes both headed in goals to confirm our loss in an awful performance.

Tigres 1-1 Atlas
View attachment 59495
We managed to pick up an impressive point away to champions Tigres. We got into the lead just after half time, Guisao hit the post from a tight angle and the rebound hit the post then Guzman's back and went in. Gignac earned Tigres a point slamming home a loose ball in the box.

Atlas 3-0 Pachuca
View attachment 59494
We claim our first win of the season by beating last seasons league winner Pachuca in an even game. Guisao got us in front after 35 minutes rising high at the back post to power in a Villamarin cross. Caraglio doubled our lead running onto a Guisao through ball and slotting a low shot past Pachuca's 44 year old goalkeeper. Ramirez killed the game off two minutes later volleying in at back post to give us a convincing win.

Copa MX

We were drawn in a group with two second division teams Atlante and FC Juarez so we should get through.

Atlante 1-1 Atlas
View attachment 59493
We claim a point away to Atlante in a close game. Tarragona had us behind early on smashing home a knock down from close range. We were back level soon after, a low Reyes cross was diverted in by Gamboa from a challenging angle to score on purpose let alone by accident. Not the best point but, I still expect us to get through.

Pumas UNAM 1-1 Atlas
View attachment 59492
Another one all draw for us as we struggle to find good form. Castillo put us behind early on, darting ahead of Reyes to tap in from close range. Caraglio had us level midway through the first half, firing in at the back post from a Pacheo cross. Not the best as it was the first point Pumas have picked up this season.

Monterrey 2-1 Atlas
View attachment 59491A late Fuenes Mori, the brother of the Everton centre back, goal gave us another loss as we struggle to find form. Pabon had us behind after Ustari came out for a cross he didn't get and Pabon had simple finish. Luis Reyes got us level with a very rare goal, for some reason he stood over the free kick from 20 yards out and fired the ball past the keeper and in. Fuenes Mori grabbed the late winner for Monterrey, Pabon squaring the ball to Mori when he was in on goal and giving him a simple finish to give them the win.

Copa MX

Atlas 2-0 FC Juarez
View attachment 59490
We round out the month with a cup win over FC Juarez. Guisao got us the early goal, Villamarin hit in a good low ball across the face of the goal and Guisao got in ahead of his defender to tap in from close range. Henriquez grabbed a late second goal to secure us the win, Henriquez volleying in from close range from a Pacheo cross sealed all three points for us.

Tables
View attachment 59488We currently sit a disappointing 15th place in the league although we are only 2 points off 7th place and the playoff spots.

View attachment 59487
We aren't far clear of the drop as Lobos average changes very quickly and we aren't far ahead of any of the established teams in the league. We have to end the poor form or else we will be in a relegation fight.

View attachment 59486
We sit top of the group halfway through and really should progress against a couple of lower league sides.

Other News
View attachment 59485I was suprisingly linked with the Everton and Leicester jobs by the press but rubbished both of the links​

 

[ninjaskill]

February Update

It might be the shortest month but it was full of matches for us as we would be playing 7 games in the league and cup.

Atlas 1-1 Leon
View attachment 59455We'd gone two games without a one all draw so quickly ended that run by recorded our fourth one all draw of the season. Pacheo got us in front just before half time, in the rush to push up after a cleared corner Pacheo was left in space and Vigon found him just onside and he was able to slot a low finish in from a tight angle to put us in front. Leon equalised midway through the second half with their only shot on target, a corner prompted some scrambling around in the box and the ball fell to him and he made no mistake powering home on the volley. A disappointing point given how dominant we were.

Copa MX

FC Juarez 1-2 Atlas
View attachment 59454
A Caraglio double sees us sneak the three points against a determined FC Juarez side. Caraglio got us ahead after 36 minutes, a ball fell to Guisao in the box and he squared it to a wide open Caraglio to fire in from close range. Juarez levelled seconds after half time, ex Chelsea man Davila passed to Carrijo who turned and fired a shot into the top corner. An incredible goal. Caraglio popped up late to steal us all three points though, Gomez having been on the pitch for two minutes sprinted down the right wing and whipped in a cross. Caraglio got up high above his man and powered a header on target, the goalkeeper pushed it up onto the bar and it landed just over the line to give us the win.

Puebla 0-1 Atlas
View attachment 59453
We take all of the points from an even game with Puebla thanks to a Henrqiuez goal. We got an early penalty after Robles was taken down in the box trying to get onto the end of a Morrison free kick. Morrison stepped up for the penalty and his penalty was good low and hard towards the corner but well saved. Henriquez scored the only goal early on in the second half, we launched a counter from a free kick and got the ball to Maicon wide in space. He whipped in a cross and Henriquez split the centre backs to head home from close range.

View attachment 59444
We will be without Caraglio for a while as he picked up a twisted ankle.

Atlas 3-1 Cruz Azul
View attachment 59451
We get the win over a Cruz Azul team in good form as we finally seem to be finding some form ourselves. Guisao got us in front after 17 minutes, Pacheo was found in space on the right and ran into the box before playing a low ball across the face of goal that gave Guisao a tap in from a foot out to put us in front. Mendez levelled for Cruz Azul just before half time, getting onto the end of a corner to get his header through a pack of players and in. We scored even later in the first half to ensure we went in with the lead, Morrison played a corner to Robles outside the box and he lofted the ball into the box. Aguirre rose highest at the back post and directed his header past the keeper and in. Henriquez confirmed the win for us with a late strike, Reyes found space on the overlap and whipped in a low cross that Henriquez toe poked in.

View attachment 59443
Guisao also falls to a twisted ankle and will miss around a month and a half.

Santos Laguna 3-1 Atlas
View attachment 59450
We played poorly and got punished by Santos Laguna. Rivas got them in front after half an hour, heading in a corner. Araujo doubled their lead five minutes later scoring after a corner caused confusion in the box as we continued to struggle with set pieces. Perez came on for his debut at half time and scored seconds later, smashing a shot into the top corner with a great finish. Santos Laguna scored from the spot to confirm their win though, Furch getting his penalty just past Ustari.

Atlas 3-3 Nexaca
View attachment 59448A six goal second half saw us come back from 3 goals down to steal a point. Riano put us behind soon after the restart left free at the back post to score from close range. Baez doubled their lead soon after left free near the penalty spot he smashed in a half volley that left Ustari no chance. Gallegos seemed to secure Nexaca the win with their third goal in the 70th minute, Riano flicking a ball across to Gallegos and from a tight angle he fired low and hard in off the far post. Alexi Gomez pulled a goal back two minutes later, Henriquez was played in and his shot was pushed wide allowing Gomez to tap into an open goal from a tight angle. Henriquez made it a one goal game 5 minutes later, Aboagye went on a great run and played the ball wide to Villamarin who fired the ball into the box that Henriquez headed home from a tight angle. Six minutes later Henriquez had us level, Villamarin found space on the overlap and chipped the ball inside to a wide open Henriquez who made no mistake with his header. A great point for us with a great comeback.

View attachment 59442
In the course of leading the comeback Henriquez joined the list of injured players but changed it up a bit by having a heel injury instead of an ankle one. This leaves Perez as my only fit senior striker.

Atlas 0-2 Tijuana
View attachment 59445
A terrible performance saw us get dominated by Tijuana in a game we were lucky to only lose 2-0. Bolanos got them ahead early on, he snuck the ball past a group of players on the line from a knockdown to put us behind. Bolanos put the game out of doubt with a late goal, a free kick was chipped to him on the outside the box and he fired a volley into the top corner from 25 yards out.

View attachment 59441
Pacheo joins my list of attacking players with foot issues and will miss around a month. We are very low on attacking players at this stage and need some to start coming back.

Tables

Forgot to take a photo of it but, we are currently just outside the playoff spots but, we still have more than enough time to get back into the mix.

Youth Intake

View attachment 59440We get quite an early youth intake but what a group it is, a potential golden generation and I expect at least a couple to develop into first team players with big hopes for Jose Luiz Fernandez.

View attachment 59439
A pretty solid youth intake with a few potential starters and depth player so certainly can't complain.

Jose Luiz Fernandez
View attachment 59438
The undisputed star of the youth team is this diminutive winger. Already good enough to be a back up in the first team at 15 I will be looking to get him involved next season with the first team squad as I can't play him this season as he is unregistered.

Jose de Jesus Montano
View attachment 59437
Another short Jose who plays as an attacking mid Montano can hopefully develop into a first team player and build on his technical skills which are solid for a player of his age.

Jose Alfredo Fuentes
View attachment 59436
The same name and height as the other left winger from this youth intake I will look to get him trained up as a right winger to hopefully be able to use both of them in the future. Hopefully he can add to his 112 lbs weight or I can see him getting pushed off the ball frequently.​

 

[Hampus Silverholt]

What a youth intake that is! There always seems to be a few world class Mexican regens in the saves I've had over the years, would be nice if one turned up in your youth intake in a couple of years...

 

[ninjaskill]

What a youth intake that is! There always seems to be a few world class Mexican regens in the saves I've had over the years, would be nice if one turned up in your youth intake in a couple of years...

Yeah it definitely is one of the better ones I've had, would love to get a truly world class player through the youth intake as I think it would be the only way we would be able to get someone that good

 

[ninjaskill]

March Update

We face our final cup group game and really get down to the business end of the league season.

Atlas 2-0 Atlante
View attachment 59413
We end the group with a win as youngster Ian Torres grabs his first goal for the club. Aboagye continued his fine form with a goal after half an hour, Perez played him in and despite a poor first touch he was able to poke the ball past the keeper and in. Ian Torres rounded off the win with a very late goal, a rebound fell to Ramirez and he squared the ball to Torres to fire into an open goal and get his first goal for the club.

View attachment 59407
We easily qualify from the group in top spot to give us home advantage in the next round.

View attachment 59406
Franco Perez shows how he has been fitting in with the other strikers by getting injured, although shows he still has space to go as it wasn't his foot he injured but his calf.

View attachment 59405
We get second division Venados at home in the second round and it is a tie I expect to see him win.

Atlas 1-0 Queretaro
View attachment 59411We sneak a win over a poor Queretaro team. Aboagye got the only goal on the brink of half time, Reyes hit a low cross to the back post and Aboagye fired in the cross to put us in front. A decent win over a team in poor form/

Toluca 4-0 Atlas
View attachment 59410
We get absolutely hammered by a poor Toluca team who were in 15th and are a long shot to make the playoffs. We went behind after 26 minutes with a Quinones shot from outside the box hitting the post and going in. Four minutes later we were two behind, Hauche was played in and slipped a low shot past Ustari. Seven minutes later we were three goals, Hauche heading in a Quinones cross at the near post. Hauche completed his hat trick just before the hour mark, Hauche ran onto a poor Reyes back pass and hit a low shot past Ustari and in. An awful performance as we got destroyed by a side having a poor league campaign.

Copa MX

Atlas 1 (3-5) 1 Venados
View attachment 59409
We go out to lower league Venados on penalties as we play poorly and fail to beat a side we should have beaten. Gonzalez put them ahead after 35 minutes, he was able to take down a corner and after his first shot was blocked he fired in the rebound. Caraglio pulled us level seconds after coming onto the pitch, Morrison chipped a cross up to the back post and Caraglio got up and slammed his header in past the keeper. The game went to a shoot out after the 90 minutes ended and the youngster Torres was the one who failed to convert, the keeper getting down low to push away his shot and Ustari couldn't make a save.

Veracruz 1-1 Atlas
View attachment 59408
We comeback to claim a point in the last game of the month thanks to the international break. Ramos put them ahead with a penalty after 68 minutes. Caraglio hit back for us 11 minutes later, Torres played him in and Caraglio gave the keeper the eyes and fired past him at the near post.

Tables
View attachment 59404We are on the outside looking in but, with only three points separating 7th place with 15th we could easily go up or down the table. We do also have a game in hand on Nexaca in 7th place which could see us go 10th.​

 

[ninjaskill]

April Update

We face three games to try and get into the playoffs and all of them will be key, especially from out fans point of view when we face city rivals Chivas.

Atlas 1-2 Morelia
View attachment 59403
We lose a key game to fellow playoff hunting team Morelia that could kill off our playoff hopes. Lezcano got us behind after 21 minutes, heading in a cross at the near post from point blank range. He doubled his tally after the hour, Lezcano burying a low shot when in on goal. Caraglio pulled a goal back for us 8 minutes from time, Henriquez stole the ball off a centre back and crossed in for Caraglio to head in unmarked in the middle. We couldn't get the vital second goal though so suffered a potentially damaging defeat. The loss left us sitting in 13th place five outside of the playoff spots.

Chivas 1-2 Atlas
View attachment 59402We get a great come from behind win with Caraglio scoring a late goal that pushed us up from 13th to 7th place in the table. Dominguez put us behind after 16 minutes, Chivas launched a counter attack from a corner and Pulido pulled the ball across the face of goal and Dominguez won the race between three Chivas players to be the one to fire into an open goal. Caraglio levelled the game after 33 minutes, Pacheo chipped a cross up to the back post and Caraglio was able to get up and power a header in from 12 yards out. With time running out I threw on three strikers and pushed everyone forwards to try and get a winning goal, a Tesillo long ball got Henriquez in behind the defence. There was a 2 on 1 in the box and the cross went to the back post to Caraglio and he headed into the top corner to seal a derby day win for us and send us flying up the table.

View attachment 59400
Once everyone else had played the games in hand they had we had fallen back down to 10th meaning with one game left against a relegated Lobos team, who could still make the playoffs, we sat 7 goals outside the playoff spots.

View attachment 59399
This is the fixture list for the final day and as none of the teams ahead of us face each other we have to hope results go our way.

Lobos BUAP 1-2 Atlas
View attachment 59398
We do our part as we claim a win over Lobos. Pacheo got us ahead after 29 minutes, a great bending pass by Morrison played in Caraglio his shot was saved and the rebound fell to Guisao who crossed for Pacheo to tap in from close range. Morrison doubled our lead 5 minutes later, Caraglio passed to him on the edge of the box and he fired a powerful low strike just inside the far post to double our lead. Lobos pulled one goal back soon after, a low long range strike by Quinones got past Ustari who probably should have done better. Very little happened in the second half as most of it was spent looking at other results and the table.

View attachment 59397
Morelia drew 0-0 with Necaxa which allowed us to overtake them and Pachuca fell 4-3 to Tigres as their comeback stalled so we also overtook them allowing us to sneak into the 8th and final playoff spot. It was a nervous end with both games close but we made it and that was all that matters.

Table
View attachment 59395
We qualified by an entire point in the end. However, since we only just got into the playoffs we would have to take on the highest seeds.

View attachment 59396
A Tigres side who just broke the record for most wins in a season and would be looking to win both the Apetura and the Clausura.

View attachment 59394
Lobos get relegated despite a good Clausura, Nexaca were the only team to do worse than them in both halves but stayed up thanks to a good previous season proving to much for Lobos to overcome. We ended up not having to worry much about relegation with a strong finish pushing us further away.

​

 

[ninjaskill]

Liga MX Playoff Quarter Finals

We face an uphill challenge to get past Tigres who are clearly the best team in Mexico currently and we will have to be at our best to get past them, a large slice of luck would be helpful as well.

Leg 1

Atlas 3-3 Tigres
View attachment 59390
Tigres came back with an impressive performance against us as we failed to capitalise on the good position we put ourselves in. Caraglio got us ahead after 19 minutes, a corner was only half cleared to Morrison and he ran into the box and squared the ball to Caraglio who fired into the corner from close range. Guisao doubled our lead less than 10 minutes later, Caraglio crossing for Guisao to tap home from close range and put us in a great position. Soon after half time, Valencia hit back for Tigres rising highest to head in a corner. Guisao gave us our two goal lead back quickly, Caraglio lofted a ball wide to Pacheo who fired in a cross. Guisao got ahead of his marker and headed in to restore our lead. Valencia again halved our lead for Tigres, Montes crossed in and Valencia reached behind him to volley in an exquisite goal. With no time left in the game Tigres back up centre back Juninho was over a free kick and fired it into the top corner to leave us likely needing a win away to go through.

Tigres 2(5-3)0 Atlas
View attachment 59389
We fail to win in another knockout tie as a Montes double confirms the end of our season. Montes got them an early lead after 6 minutes, he found some space and from 25 yards out he fired a low shot in past Ustari. He finished the game off with a goal just before half time, Valencia crossed in Gignac flicked the ball across goal and Montes volleyed in at the back post. The loss was compounded by the poor performance we put in and were punished for.

View attachment 59388
Club America snuck past Tigres in the final, also recording a 5-1 second leg win against Monterrey to ensure they progress into the final.​

 

[ninjaskill]

End of Season Review

It was a decent season for us as we managed to make the playoffs twice although we went out to the losing finalists both times in the first round so we can't be to disappointed. We also overachieved by even making the playoffs once let alone twice.

View attachment 59358
Can't really disagree with the team of the season except maybe Caraglio over Henriquez, Maicon over Villamarin would be the only other possible change. Morrison took home player of the season at a canter ahead of his two midfield team mates. Pacheo got the signing of the season having a great debut season joining from Cristal and making the right wing his own. Villamarin claimed young player of the year ahead of his fellow Peruvian Pacheo.

View attachment 59357
Maicon has decided to call it a day as Villamarin began to take his position as the season went on. He had a good final season with us.

View attachment 59356
We get a TV deal at the same rate as we had before for the next 3 years. We also see some rises in other areas of income, our new players also feature heavily in the jersey sales.

View attachment 59355
We make a nice profit with all our TV Deal money able to go into the bank. It's a good profit that we can hopefully keep on making in the next few years.

View attachment 59354
We get a slight increase in reputation on the back of our two playoff appearances but are still quite low down the reputation list for Mexican teams.​

 

[ninjaskill]

Pre Season Update

We head into the 2018/19 season looking to make the playoffs again so I set about strengthening the squad.

Outgoing Transfers
View attachment 59350
Fraga leaves for a decent fee especially as he was unhappy at the club so I was happy to get rid of him. Mosquera returns to Colombia after a short spell in Mexico where he didn't do much. I wanted to send one striker out on loan and in a toss up I decided to move Henriquez out on loan to Nexaca. Aboagye is the other big loanee out as he heads to Rio Ave for a season.

Incoming Transfers

I brought in a number of players on frees or for small fees to loan and try to turn a profit on as Mexican teams love a loan but won't bother including them in this to save time.

Leo Cittadini
View attachment 59352
The Brazilian CM joins us and will go into the starting line up over Vigon to partner Morrison. A steal at $850k from Santos the 24 year old will add class and some more playmaking to our midfield. A good talent at a good price in a deal I'm very happy with.

Roberto de la Rosa
View attachment 59351
The new record signing at Atlas it took $3 million potentially rising to 4.5 to get Pachuca to part ways with the young Mexican striker who will replace Henriquez as the back up to Caraglio and should see significant minutes as I look to develop him into the next big Mexican striker.

Ruben Pena
View attachment 59349
Joining us from Spain after relegation with Eibar in a $1.7 million deal Pena will start at right wing so we aren't reliant on Pacheo who is a bit inconsistent. He will also tutor the young Peruvian. His versatility is a bonus as he can play well in a number of positions.

Carlos Martinez
View attachment 59348
With Maicon retiring I wanted another right back who could play for a couple years and also help develop Villamarin into a top right back. The former one club man joins from Real Sociedad, where he was vice captain, after his contract expired. A good experienced player who should still be good for a couple of years.

All other transfers were youngsters and I'll post screenshots of them if they get to the first team.

Pre-Season
View attachment 59344
We had a trip to Spain in pre season in which we preformed decently overall, including beat our Copa MX conquerers Venados.

View attachment 59343
The relegation table looks good for us as we sit 7th and really won't have to worry about it this season, although we still have to do well as a bad season could haunt us.

View attachment 59342
We are expected to finish 11th and the bookies aren't exactly backing us to win the league any time soon.

View attachment 59341
In the cup we get Santos Laguna and lower division side Mineros, I expect us to get out of the group and at least avoid going out to any teams below us as we look to improve on two poor cup outings so far.​

 

[ninjaskill]

July Update

Just the two games this month as the league gets up and running and we look to make a good start.

Queretaro 0-2 Atlas
View attachment 59308
We get the season underway with a win. Cittadini put us in front with a debut goal after 25 minutes, a corner was headed down and he toe poked the ball into the roof of the net to get us in front. Caraglio doubled our lead just before the hour, Pena turned his man and crossed into the back post where Caraglio volleyed the ball in. Quite a few debuts were made so it was good to see us claim the win and the team seemed like it had gelled well.

Atlas 2-1 Monterrey
View attachment 59307A Caraglio brace sees us continue our good start to the season. He got us in front after 23 minutes, he found some room in the box and got onto a Pena cross to power his header into the top corner. He put us two ahead after 65 minutes, running onto a poor back pass and firing past the helpless goalkeeper stuck in no mans land. Furth pulled a goal back with a penalty but we held on to claim the win.

Table
View attachment 59306
We sit second early on as one of only 3 teams to win both games. Henriquez got a hat trick and a couple assists on his debut to make me regret loaning him out a bit, although Caraglio's early form has been very good as well.
​

 

[ninjaskill]

August Update

The games start coming thick and fast as the league really gets going snd we start out in the cup looking to get out of the group.

Copa MX

Atlas 2-1 Santos Laguna
View attachment 59145
We start of the cup with a win over our top flight competitor as De la Rosa comes of the bench to get his first two Atlas goals. We were behind after 9 minutes, Rodriguez finding Carrizo in space in the box and he fired a shot past Ustari. De la Rosa got us level just after coming on, Robles found him just inside the box and he fired a powerful shot in that the keeper probably should have done better with. He struck again after 72 minutes, getting onto a Reyes cross and after the header was saved he poked in the rebound to give us the three points.

Santos Laguna 2-2 Atlas
View attachment 59143
This time Djaniny hits two for a comeback as we draw with Santos in the league. After five minutes Ustari went down low to his left to push away a Laguna penalty. Morrison made no such mistake from the spot after 27 minutes sending the keeper the wrong way. Tesillo doubled our lead 10 minutes later, Laguna tried to clear a corner and the clearance hit Pena and fell to Tesillo to fire in from point blank range. Djaniny pulled a goal back for Laguna after 77 minutes, a powerful strike from just outside the box beating Ustari. He got his second goal 8 minutes later, racing onto a through ball and scoring a simple finish as Ustari was poorly positioned. Disappointing to throw away a lead late but, Jose Luis Fernandez becomes the clubs youngest ever player.

Copa MX

Mineros 1-2 Atlas
View attachment 59135
We put ourselves in a powerful position in the group by beating both opponents. Caraglio put us ahead just after half time, Fernandez corner was cleared back to him and his second cross was perfect for Caraglio to head in as the youngster gets his first assist. Our lead lasted seconds as Mineros hit back, Agueyo was given far to much space outside the box and then found Gomez in the box who turned and fired in past Caraglio. Fernandez got his second assist as we got a winner. Pacheo played the ball wide to him then made his way into the box to get on the end of the cross and head it in to give us the win. A great performance from our 16 year old is key to getting us the win in the cup.

Atlas 0-0 Pumas UNAM
View attachment 59132A pretty dull game as both sides see a player injured as we lose Morrison and they lose Arribas. A game of very few chances.

View attachment 59074
Morrison will be out for around a month with a fractured toe, which is disappointing as he has been great for us in midfield. Vigon will come in to replace him and partner with Cittadini.

View attachment 59073
Guisao also got an injury and will miss 3 weeks with his calf injury. We have more than enough depth out wide though.

Atlas 1-1 Cruz Azul
View attachment 59129
A late goal each as we each take a point from a game we dominated. Mora hit a low shot past Ustari to give Cruz Azul a late lead. Pacheo hit back for us two minutes later though, Rodriguez made a great interception to end our attack and then ruined it by playing an awful back pass to play in Pacheo who fired into the top corner to earn us a point. We probably should have won but, I'll take it given how late we conceded.

Copa MX

Santos Laguna 1-6 Atlas
View attachment 59124
We absolutely crush Santos Laguna in the biggest win we have had with me in charge. Caraglio got us ahead after 14 minutes, Pena made himself some space on the wing and fired in a cross that Caraglio headed in with help from the bar. Djaniny levelled the game after 39 minutes, finishing off a great team counter to poke in a cross after getting in front of his man. We were only level for seconds as Pena put us back in front, Fernandez crossing to him at the back post and with no defenders near him he took a touch and fired in. We extended our lead in the 73rd minute, Cittiadini chipped a pass into him in the box and he took a touch before his shot snuck past the keeper and in. Fernandez scored his first goal for Atlas two minutes later, Franco held the ball up well in the box and then laid it off to Fernandez to fire into the bottom corner. Franco made it 5 with his second in the 82nd minute, firing a low shot from just inside the box just outside the reach of the keeper and in. Fernandez finished off the scoring in the 89th minute as he was played in on goal and chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper. A great performance for him as he earned everyone of the $15 he gets a week.

Pachuca 3-2 Atlas
View attachment 59109
A five goal second half sees us lose out as we end the month with a disappointing loss. Cittadini put us in front just after half time, His free kick from the edge of the box was cleared back to him and he took a touch before curling a shot into the top corner. Pachuca hit back two minutes later, Navrro firing a low ball across the face of goal and Palacios tapped it in at the back post. Silva put us behind after 66 minutes, heading in after Honda flicked on a free kick. Caraglio got us level with 15 minutes left, rising high at the back post to power a header in off the bar. Pachuca struck two minutes later to get all three points, a beautiful pass from Honda finding Jara who fired in past Ustari.

Table
View attachment 59108
We are still in the playoff spots despite all the draws, it is very tight as three points either way could see us anywhere from 3rd to 16th.

View attachment 59107
We're all but through in the cup with our commanding goal difference and points lead with only a home game against Mineros left.​

 

[ninjaskill]

September Update
Despite the international break we still manage to fit six games in as we finish up in the cup group stage and continue pushing for a playoff spot in the league.

Atlas 2-0 Tijuana
View attachment 59014We bounce back from the loss to Pachuca by beating Tijuana. Pena gave us a very early lead, rising higher than his marker at the back post to head in. Caraglio confirmed the win after 64 minutes with our second goal, Fernandez somehow kept a long ball from Reyes in and ran past his man before crossing for Caraglio to fire in and give us the three points.

Veracruz 2-0 Atlas
View attachment 59013
We lose away as Robles got sent off before the half hour when we were already a goal down putting us in a very bad spot. Sosa put us behind after 14 minutes, Ustari came out for a cross and got no where near it allowing Sosa to head into an open goal. Robles needlessly slid in around the halfway line and got all man and no ball to pick up his second yellow and get his marching orders. We kept it close until the end and went and pushed for an equaliser but conceded instead. Tejeda heading in to end a lovely team move by Tijuana.

View attachment 59000
View attachment 59000
View attachment 58999
Just after getting back from his injury Morrison gets another and looks set to be done for the season unless we make a deep playoffs run.

Copa MX

Mineros 0-1 Atlas
View attachment 59012
The back ups were played and were just able to claim a win over Mineros. Fernandez continued his good form by grabbing a late winner, Villamarin's deep cross found Fernandez at the back post and he fired in to give us all three points.

Morelia 4-1 Atlas
View attachment 59011
Four goals in twenty minutes sees us get hammered by Morelia. We actually took an early lead as Caraglio buried a penalty in the third minute. Sepulduva equalised just before half time, he redirected a shot by Carrasco and when it was well blocked by Ustari fired in a rebound. Sepulduva scored at the death in the first half to send Morelia into half time in front, heading in a Lezcano cross at the near post. Sepulduva completed his hat trick on the hour, tapping in a cross at the near post. Lezcano completed the easy win soon after, Sepulduva squared the ball to him on the counter to give him an easy finish.

Atlas 2-0 At. San Luis
View attachment 59004
I was confident we would win for two reasons, 1 San Luis are in awful form and 2 a lot of their first team is on loan from us. Caraglio put us ahead after 16 minutes, Vigon played a great ball wide to Pena who whipped in a cross that Caraglio powered in with a header. Tesillo doubled our lead just before the half hour, getting onto a Cittadini free kick to float a header into the top corner. Ustari pushed away a penalty to allow us to avoid a nervy end to the game.

Atlas 3-0 Tigres
View attachment 59001
This game is the highlight of my time in charge as we dominate against and beat Tigres. Caraglio got us in front after 28 minutes, Guisao passed to him on the edge of the box and Caraglio hammered the ball into the top left corner to leave the keeper no chance. Guisao doubled our lead 8 minutes later, Pena crossed in Caraglio's powerful header hit the bar and Guisao reacted quickest to slam in the rebound. Just after half time De la Rosa wrapped up the points for us, Tigres were passing the ball around in their own box when Ayala's touch let him down and De la Rosa pounced on the ex-Atlas mans mistake to fire the ball in. A really good result for us and three big points.

Tables
View attachment 58994
We sit up in the heights of 5th place after two wins in a row. With six games left we have a four point lead on 9th so look good to make the playoff spots.

Copa MX
View attachment 58998
We easily qualify for the next round of the Copa MX winning all of our group games. Santos Laguna were poor as they failed to even pick up a point.

View attachment 58997
We will face Tijuana as we look to win our first knockout game. We also have home advantage thanks to our great performance in the group stages.​