Goals: America—Benedetto 39', 67'
Recap: The defending champions proved to be no match for America's might on Friday, falling 2-0 at the Estadio Corona.
Despite allowing the opposition to control the match early on, it was America who opened the affair just before the half. An individual strike from Dario Benedetto screamed past 'keeper Agustin Marchesin in the 39th minute. The same can be said for Benedetto's header midway through the second half.
The 2-0 victory pushes America to second in the Liga MX table with nine points.
Key Moment: Santos Laguna had few chances to equalize, but remained in contention down one goal. Marchesin's inability to parry Oribe Peralta's header to safety, however, sealed Santos' fate. America's insurmountable second goal drastically changed the complexity of the match.
Man of the Match: Benedetto was brilliant on the night. The 25-year-old now has a club-best five goals.
Así fue el golazo de @PipaBenedetto #JuntosPorLaGloria pic.twitter.com/rFT73DjUzv
— Club América (@CF_America) August 15, 2015
Lesson Learned: For all of Benedetto's brilliance, however, it's Ruben Sambueza who operates as America's engine. The captain provided the assist on the opening goal and continued his lethal distribution from deep-lying positions, finishing the match with two additional key passes.
Remaining on the pitch continues to be an issue for the 31-year-old. His propensity for being cautioned leaves America one rash challenge from defending with 10 men, but his impact consistently alters the club's performance. That proved to be the case again on Friday.
Up Next: America turns to the CONCACAF Champions League against Walter Ferreti on Aug. 19, while Santos Laguna visits Monterrey on Aug. 22.
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