The New World Adventure! Americas...

[ESL]

Good luck in the Copa, and in the league! Great story again!

 

[Nick.]

this is a fantastic story, one of the best around

 

[sam.england]

Good luck in the Copa, and in the league! Great story again!

this is a fantastic story, one of the best around

Thanks guys, appreicated!
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Necaxa - the face of Mexican Football in the Copa Libertadores

Necaxa face up to Argentine club Velez in the biggest game of Necaxa's history. With Necaxa being the only Mexican team left in the tournanment, the Nations eyes will be following to see if they can go one step further on their magical run.

Once again Necaxa get lucky, winning the games on away goals. However, Necaxa fans were in jubilant mood and did not care for the manner of how they got through, just that they would be through to face the next challege.

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End of Season puts America (MEX) in control

After 17 games, the table had a familar look to it with America (MEX) taking top spot, giving them the first round of the play-offs to recover. Our beloved Necaxa could only manage a 5th place finish, with a quarter-final 2 legged fixture vs 6th place Toluca. Despite finishing 13th, San Luis were religated due to having the least amount of average points over the last 3 full seasons (Not like in Europe hey).

Our league positon is not really one to look to deep into. We have had many extra games in the Copa which other teams have not. It looks like I will need to increase the depth of the squad more to compensate for these extra games next year. But, we are in this to bring National and International glory to Necaxa, that is the only objective.

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Ridley Rejects Pumas

Club Futbol de Universidad Pumas offered Ridley the chance to manage them, however Ridley stood firm again, re-commiting himself to Necaxa.

I am always flattered to be linked with other clubs, but I have a long term deal with Necaxa and I plan to be here for the foeseeable future to bring prosperity to this great club.

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Closed season Quater-Finals

Necaxa did not have a good series of games, and needed the Higher Seed Advantage to advance through the quarter finals against a stuborn Toulca team. Manager Sam Ridley was seen pacing up and down the sideline towards the end of the match, and we heard he locked the players in the dressing room for over and hour after the game.

Elsewhere there were no real surprises or shocks America, Santos Laguna and Chivas also made it through to the Semi-Finals
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Mexican Closed League Semi-Finals

We are getting to the nitty gritty now. Chivas do not have the best record against Nexaca, and America go into the game vs Santos Laguna as firm favourites as 2 time defending league champions.

Ridley took huge gamble in second leg and angry with League

Yes, I put out the reserve team, but I really had no choice. Playing the first leg on the 28th, the second on the 30th and with a Copa Libertadores game on the 1st. Its utter madness, 3 games in 5 days. We got lucky against Chivas in the second leg, one more goal and they would have got through. However, I needed my strongest squad as fit as possible ready for the challenge of Racing Club. I am disgusted that a fixture was not moved. However on the plus side, we won on aggregiate and are through to the final to face, wait I'm not sure, I came straight from the game to the press room

Big Shock as 2 times reigning champions America (MEX) crashed out at the semi final stages 3:2 to Santos Laguna. Santos Laguna last won the Championship in the 2009 in the open championship.
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Up Next time -
Mexican League Final Report
Copa Libertadores Semi-Finals and maybe Final
End of Season Report
Ecuadors Copa America Campaign
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[Gooner96]

Love this story.

 

[sam.england]

Love this story.

Thanks man!
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Sloppy 45 minutes cost Necaxa Dearly -
Copa Libertadores Heartache

Going 3-0 down, 5,000 miles away from home with 48,000 fans laughing at the display is heartbreaking. But I can tell you now, my team fought like lions, like the Gods themselves in the second half and those fans were not laughing with the final few minutes, knowing one more goal and we were going through. I cannot fault the lads at all, we punched above our weight and will not be taken lightly next year. I am proud of each and every one of them

​

Racing Club showed there full potential by going on to beat Brazilian club Santos 3-2 in the final. Necaxa fans found a small amount of pride from losing to the eventual winners, but vowed to be back next year to go on further.
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Santos Laguna and Necaxa face off for Mexican Crown

Santos Laguna last won the biggest title in Mexican football in only 2009, and previously in 2007 before that. We have to go back over 10 years to 1998 for the last time Necaxa won, beating Chivas for the crown. There have been some cracking games between the 2 this year, with 4 games being played and Santos holding a 2-1-1 advantage over Necaxa, with all to play for.

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Fans crowd Aguascalientes to see new Champions

They partied long into the night, as the players toured the city with the trophy aloft. Fans alike heralded Manager Sam Ridley for the progress they made sice the shame of being religated only a few season ago. The future in Necaxa....looks bright!
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A look at the squad

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Edison Mendez reaches 100 caps for Ecuador

Edison Mendez personally thanked Ecuador Manager Sam Ridley for keeping faith in his ability and for allowing him the great honour of reaching 100 caps for his country. This tally is likely to grow with the Copa America and World Cup Qualifiers coming up in the next year.
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[ESL]

Great updates as always! Unlucky in the cup but some cracking games to win the League!

 

[sam.england]

Ecuador in the Copa America

Ecuador Rise to 16th in the World under Ridley - Copa America Next

Somehow, minows of South American Football have climbed the rankings from the mid 30's to into the top 20, sitting at #16, only behind Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay in South America. Manager Sam Ridley puts it down to every player working hard as part of the team, rather than pushing for individual glory they are happy to work for each other. Ridley puts emphasis on team results, rather than individual honours. Ecuador are an outside bet to go far in the Copa America, but Ridley is assured he has the tactics to beat some of the big clubs.

I am aware that we cannot match the big teams like Argentina and Brazil on paper, or with the big names. However, we have grafters who will run from start to finish and never give up. I have tactics that I think will work against the bigger teams, hopefully frustrating them and hopefully, making them make some mistakes.

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Ecuadorian look on to the group stages

With 7 goals scored, but only one game won, Ecuador has been providing their fans with some amazing, but nail biting footballs. After defying the Argentines to deserve a well draw, they tore apart Venezuela before facing a crunch match with Paraguay. WIth only one team guarenteed to go through, a draw would have ben enough for Ecuador.

We came out to attack, if we had sat back I fear the result would have been different. We left it late, but by controlling the ball and possession I was confident we would get the goal back. When we took the lead I thought we could hold on, but Cabanas was on top form and he popped up to equal the game. On reflection, It was probably the fair result.

In the groups, the biggest surprise was Brazil struggling to qualify, scrapping through as the 8th seed for the the next round. Uruguay were the only team to win all 3 group games, but they did have the weakest group.
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Brazil stunned in Copa America 1/4 Final

Brazil were dumped out of the Copa America in the 1/4 by a strong Uruguay team on a penalty shoot out. Its a great shock for the proud nation who are demanding the head of Manager Hugo Apareicido. The Brazilian FA acted swiftly to stop a riot, sacking him on the spot, annoucing they would pick a replacement after the Copa America. Elsewhere Argentina needed penalties to beat a stubborn Mexico side, with wins for Paraguay and Ecuador.

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Ridley "confident" to beat Argentina in Semi Finals

They are a team who plays for themselves. They have some great individual players, like Messi, but they play for themselves. My team plays for the next guy, to win the game. After playing them in the group, I know how to beat them. We have to keep hold of the ball, frustrate them and make them lose their temper, thats when we shall take advantage.

RIdley's Ecuador shocks Argentina as they lose their heads

Its not very often a manager talks before the game, but the gamble paid off. Ecuador looked like they had won it in normal time, until Carlos Tevez was the quickest to react to a Messi thunderbolt that Dominguez could only parry out to the waiting striker. Argentina, looking physically frustrated had 23 shots on the night, only managing to get 6 on target and many from distance, started to dive into challeneges and ended in 6 yellow cards and 2 red cards. This proved to be the difference in Extra time as Salas exploded onto the ball to finish the game off. In contrast, Ecuador keep their heads, played a clean game and only got 1 yellow card. Ridleys last minute tactic change to 4-5-1 from 4-4-2 provided the edge in the middle of the park.
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Ecuadorian Nation not wanting the Party to stop.

Ecuador has never won a Copa America, heck they have never finished in the top 3. Their opponents, Paraguay last won the trophy in 1979, so both sets of fans and players have plenty to play for. This is the biggest surprise final since COlumbia and Mexico faced off in 2001.

vs

Paraguay's Enrique Vega sees Red

In the 49th minute, America (MEX) influential midfielder saw red for a second reckless challenege.

Caicedo Misses Penalty

Ecuadorian Striker Felipe Caicedo managed to place his spot kick wide, dashing the hopes of a nation o take a qick advantage to 10 men Paraguay.

Caicedo makes ammends

After turning Guerron away from taking the second penalty, Caicedo made up for the earlier miss by placing the ball in the bottom right corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.

A tense battle continued to the full time whistle, with noone else managing to break the dealock.

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Ecuador stun the world to win the Copa America

Ridley was hailed a mastermind as Ecuador defied odds to win the Copa America for the first time ever. He had these words for thr next generation of Ecuadorian kids wanting to emulate their new Idols.

Keep you head, play un-selfish football and work for your team-mates. Staying calm and not commiting fouls is the key, along with holding onto the ball Throughout the competition we only had 5 yellow cardd and 0 red cards in 6 games...,,,Our opponents often the bigger team lost their heads and it showed by 13 yellows and 3 reds. Its a victory for Football, and team-work. Celebrate with your heros tonight, as the hard work towards the World Cup Qualification starts tomorrow.

Ecuador has arrived
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[ESL]

WOW... what a run in the Copa America, congrats! One of the best stories out there, wonder more people not following!

 

[sam.england]

Ridley unhappy about Stadium

Manager Sam Ridley is apparently uphappy that the Board cannot expand the stadium due to the council rejecting plans for extension. As now one of the top teams in Mexico, the 25,000 current capacity limits the finances that can be brought in, compared to the likes of America (MEX) and there 104.000 seater stadium
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Ridley promts huge clear out and age reduction at Necaxa

Ridley spoke about the age oft he team being too high when he first came into the job, he has now carried out a a huge sale of players.

Players Out

Carlos Antonio (21) - £1,000,000 to Queretaro
Juan de Dios Hernandez (25) - £500,000 to AA Gent
Jonathon de Leon (24) - £325,000 to Veracruz
Edgar Solano (32) - £300,000 to Estudiantes Tecos
Tilon Chavez (35) - £100,000 to Toluca
Jesus Mendoza (32) - £40,000 Loan to Chivas USA
Everaldo (34) - £20,000 to Durango
Carlos Rosales (18) - £0 + 40% sell on to Indios
​

It was hard to let established players like Chavez go, but his ability was starting to decline and we have new blood coming through. I am extremely grateful to all the players who have played a part in the success of the club, and wish them well for the future

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Ridley blows small fortune on Mexican "wonderkid"

Ridley stood delighted at the steps of Estadio Victoria, shaking hands with the new £4,500,000 man, 17 year old Mexican sensation Sergio Hernandez from Morelia. The deal, with £2,500,000 up front, with £2,000,000 over 48 months and 25% sell on clause is the biggest transfer in Necaxa history.

He has the ability to be one of the best in the world. Yes, its a huge price for a club of this financial backing, but one I am positive that will pay off in the long run. I would like to wish Sergio all the best, and to help lead Necaxa to more glory.[quote/]

Players In

Sergio Hernandez (17) CM - £4,500,000 from Moelia
Raul Guerrero (18) DC - £600,000 from Jaguares

Luis Angel Landin (25) ST - Free Agent

Luis Bolanos (Ecudaor) (25) LM - Free Agent

Ricardo Osorio (31) DR - Free Agent

Omar Bravo (31) ST - Free Agent

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Nexaca lose the Champions Trophy

America (MEX) won the battle as they took home the first trophy of the year, winning the Champions Trophy 3 - 2 after 2 intensely fought legs. Taking the advantage in the home leg, America held Necaxa to a 0 - 0 draw at the Estadio Victoria to take the trophy infront of the home Necaxa fans!

Not the start to the season Necaxa fans were looking for.
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Necaxa struggle to win, 16th after 4 games

It looks like all of Ridleys summer buys have upset the balanced nature of the team! After 4 games, they have only 2 points and losing the other 2 games. Necaxa fans at this point in time do not seem to worried, but each game from here on in that they do not get 3 points, makes it harder to think about retaining the League Championship! What may be more worrying, is the leaking of goals, with 2 per game going in, and only 1 a game being scored.
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Brazilian Giants Palmeiras after Necaxa Boss

Current Brazilian Champions Palmerias and former champions Sao Paulo, after a bad run of games have sacked previous managers, opening the way up for a new manager with each team. With speculation rife that Necaxa manager Sam Ridley could be tempted to move to Brazil... there is no denying that rumour from either Necaxa or Sam himself......


Open to suggestions on if to go or stay....Or how to improve the story!

 

[ESL]

What a choice! Its going to be hard to stay at Necaxa although you could take them all the way in international comps!

 

[rewhi9p]

this is a class thread, keep it up!
one of the best in the forum!

 

[hilly32]

Love the lay out mate! Top job so far!

 

[sam.england]

this is a class thread, keep it up!
one of the best in the forum!

Is nice to hear! May try something different layout wise when I find my memory stick and get photoshop back...Paint just does not cut it!

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Ridley Assulted outside Estadio Victoria by Crazed fan

Necaxa manager was brutually attacked outside the home of his beloved Necaxa by a crazed fan, after the local newspaper had posted a story about Sao Paulo being interested in signing the 32 year old manager. The attacker was swiftly arrested and is awaiting to hear from the court system. Live from the the ground we can confirm that RIdley is not seriously hurt, just more angry and upset at the calous nature of the attack.

I was just leaving my office at the ground when I hear a shout behind me. I just expected it to be a fan wanting to chat or an autrograph, and then thud, I felt his fist in my face just as I turned around.Luckily, I am kick boxing trained so once i got my bearings, he actually ended up worse than me.

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Necaxa fear Ridley will quit over fears for safety

After inviting key members of the Necaxa squad over to his house, Ridley listened to his key players and was persuaded that it was just one lunatic fan, and not how the majority felt like!

Necaxa will always hold a place in my heart, they gave me my first break in management. I feel I still have so much to achieve here before moving on. Sao Paulo are a huge club, and I am probably foolish to turn it down, but Mendez was key in my decision to stay

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---------- Post added at 01:39 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 08:35 PM ----------

Necaxa Fans Fear the Worst in Open Season

Necaca fans are fearing that they could go from Champions to chumps. After winning the Mexican Championship last season, they are currently in 9th place with only one game to go. Their own future could be out of their hands if all those above them win. It would be a huge embarassment for the team, but manager Ridley remains positive.

We just have to go out there and play football. We have never played that well in the League system, but come to the play-off games is when the team comes alive. We have to go to Pubela, win the game and hope that those above us crack under the pressure

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Necaxa qualify 5th, will play Monterrey

Estadio Tecnologico will be welcoming Necaxa in the Quarter Finals of the Play-Offs. One of the oldest stadiums in the League, but with an awesome backdrop and scenery.

In a tense affair, saw Necaxa leave Monterrey with a goaless draw, much to the frustration of both fans. Necaxa dominated possesion, shots on target but could not break the dead lock, leaving Necaxa needing to win at home, as a draw would see them knocked out due to the lower seeding. Luis Angel Landin, the Free Agent stiker signed over last summer had a quite game, but managed to pop up unmarked in the box on the 35th minute. Monterrey changed to a very attcking formation in the last 20 minutes, with Necaxa struggling to get out their own half. Keeper Munoz pulled off a string of great saves, and Necaxa took the win by the skin of their teeth.
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Necaxa avoid America (MEX) and draw Tigres

America (MEX) drew Atlas, whilst Tigres would play Necaxa in the semi finals. This was a great draw for Necaxa, wanting to avoid America to the finals.

Necaxa had the home leg first this time, knowing a good result was vital. However, due to international call ups, Necaxa only had 10 first team players avaliable. This only provided to spur the team on more, with dos Santos and Landin scoring in the 38 and 68 minutes. Tigres pulled one back through Fonseca when the small squad of players got tired and let their guard down.

Estadio Universitario was the ground for the second leg. On a cool evening, Necaxa once again took a 2 - 0 lead through Omar Bravo (22,46) seemingly putting the game out of reach. Once again, Tigres pulled one back through Cerda (66) but the result never looked in doubt as Necaxa won 4-2 on aggregiate.

In a thrilling other Semi-final, Atlas and America shared in an 8 gaol thriller. Atlas looked like they were going through until in the 90th minute, when Lopez for America scored breaking Atlas fans hearts, sending them through on the higher seed rule, setting up an America vs Necaxa Final.
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Necaxa fans hope they can break America (MEX) Voodoo - Mexican Championship Game

Necaxa, in 6 previous meetings with America have only taken 3 points, and never won a game against these rivals. It disappoints the fans that they can not get one over on their rivals, but they hope they can change it here and win the league for a second consecutive time.

The Estasio Azteca, the 100,000 plus seater stadium welcomed Necaxa for the first leg of the final, in which it turned out to be a closer encounter than home fans would have liked.

Heartbreak fo Necaxa

Only one goal was the difference as Necaxa have now gone 8 games without a win against America. It left a bitter taste in the mouths of anyone following Necaxa, but with the closed season around the corner, Manager Ridley was looking forward to challenging again for the title.

Its disappointing to surrender the title, but America are a great team, it shows as they have won 3 of the last 4 championships. We had a bad start in the league and were fortunate to qualify for the play-offs as it was. I feel we have come together with the new arrivals, so will be much stronger this time around. We are also going strong in the North American Champions League, but again, all roads seem to point to America

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Ridley splashing out big in the the transfer market?

It is unconfirmed who, but it is rumoured that Ridley has splashed around £4,000,000 on a new player to help push them forward next campaign. With only a very small budget we can only assume that players have been part of or sold to make such a deal possible. As soon as we know, we shall be reporting live from Estadio Victoria.




---------- Post added at 04:17 PM ----------
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Sorry people, will be no update today! Got called into work for overtime yesterday and soon off to work again today! Will be one tomorrow tho, plenty of news to get down for sure!
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[WesleyLUFC]

I think managing in the USA could be a challenge for you next, they have small budgets, but not many people manage there