Gringo Report preview: Ponce, Chivas eye 1st win

After getting mostly positive results last week, our American legion offutbolistascarry on to Week 3 in the Mexican Clausura tournament. There are some good matchups scheduled this weekend, so grab a hold of some chips and salsa, sit back and tune in.

Chivas de Guadalajara (0-0-2) vs. San Luis (2-0-0)

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Telemundo

American: MiguelÁngel Ponce (CHI)

Unlike their tame offense, Chivas’ defense has looked mostly solid in their first two games, and Ponce has been a big part of that. He will patrol the flank from his usual left back spot against a San Luis team who has played balanced, effective soccer to establish themselves as an early favorite.

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Santos (1-1-0) vs. Pachuca (1-0-1)

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Galavisión

American: José Francisco Torres, Hérculez Gómez (PAC)

Pachuca’s more defensive approach has paid dividends: Unbeaten in two games and no goals against. They’ll be hoping the confidence they carry from their two results translate onto Santos’ pitch, where they haven’t won since 2003. With no foreseeable change in tactics, Torres and Gómez could make late appearances.

Puebla (0-1-1) vs. Estudiantes Tecos (1-1-0)

Sunday, 12:55 p.m. ET, TV Azteca

Americans: Edgar Castillo (PUE); Daniel Atunéz, Samuel Ochoa (EST)

Castillo showed last week the skills that had the Mexican and US national teams vying for his services, putting forth a dynamic attacking display. He’ll look to do the same against Estudiantes, against whomla Franjawill try for their first win.

Estudiantes, fresh off a win against Apertura 2010 champs Monterrey, have a new look and will attempt to keep momentum going. To what extent Atunéz and Ochoa will participate is unknown. The first started in the first game of the season, but Ochoa has yet to see any action.

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América (0-1-1) vs. Tigres UANL (1-1-0)

Sunday, 5 p.m. ET, Univisión

American:Jonathan Bornstein(TIG)

Bornstein made his Mexican league debut last week in a win, but he did so in a holding midfielder role. With Mexican international Jorge Torres Nilo owning the left back spot, Bornstein should reprise his debut role against an América team still staggering in their attempt to find their old attacking style.

Best of the Rest:

Mexican Primera: Monterrey vs. Atlante (Sonny Guadarrama), Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, Telemundo

Mexican Primera: Querétaro (Isaác Acuña) vs. Morelia, Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, TeleFutura

Liga de Ascenso: León (Marco Vidal) vs. Indios de Ciudad Juárez (Joaquín Alonso), Saturday, 11 p.m. ET

Mexican Primera: Toluca vs. Jaguares de Chiapas (Francisco Javier López), Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Telemundo

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