Double header in the Atahaulpa Stadium

A busy fortnight of football in Ecuador

New stadium plans in Quito

Ecuador hammer Chile in the big apple

Barcelona lead at home and progress in Sudamericana

Emelec go top as Barcelona play in Sudamericana

Barcelona retain position at the top while Deportivo flounder at the bottom.

Barcelona steal top spot from Independiente on last day

Deportivo Quito continue their impressive run

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On Saturday I managed to get along to the Atahaulpa Stadium for a double-bill. Two matches, one after the other and all for $10.

Independiente are a small provincial team from Sangolqui, just outside Quito. Their stadium barely holds 8,000 people so they decided to move their home game against Barcelona to the Atahaulpa and its 35,000 capacity.

El Nacional also plays their home games in the national stadium so their game was pushed back earlier in order to accommodate the masses supporting Barca.

Even 3 hours before their game the Barcelona’s fans vastly outnumbered the other teams and they would continue to filter in throughout the first match.

The first game was El Nacional vs Deportivo Cuenca.

In the league table both teams were far adrift before this game in 8^th and 9^th position after a disappointing start to the 2^nd term of the championship.

To say the first half was pedestrian was an over-statement. Both teams knocked the ball about like it was a kick about on the beach, creating half chances that were either schlaffed wide or collected by the keeper.

The teams seemed equally matched and created little chances until late in the game when two late goals changed the tempo.

The first goal was created by the Cuenca keeper, Juan Marcelo Ojeda on 75 minutes. His long ball long from his box caught the on-running Nicolás Domingo who then then crossed into the box where the ball was turned into his own net by Johan Gomez.

Juan Govea scored to level the match 10 minutes later.

Although the second match ultimately had the same score (1 – 1) the match wasgenerally more exciting and played at a faster pace.

In the first half Independiente were happy to let Barcelona attack and then pick them off on the counter. Both teams managed to knock the ball around well in midfield but their attacks broke down with over-hit crosses and miss-timed shots.

Barcelona looked the more dangerous with Narciso Mina looking particularly threatening down the left wing with his direct runs and dribbling.

Barcelona are notably more physical as a team and can bully other teams but Independiente looked equal to the Guayaquil giants and didn’t back down. The young team from Sangolqui were more than a match in midfield and really got stuck in, picking up a few yellows in the process.

In the end Independiente took the lead through Daniel Samaniego, in the 76^th minute but again of Bryan de la Torre got the equaliser 10 minutes later.

To be honest I caught neither goal as the heat became unbearable and after over 4 hours in the Equatorial sun I had escape.

Olmedo are their surprise leader of the table after 10 games. Ciclón Andino (Andean Cyclone) hails from Rio Bamba and is the oldest club team in Ecuador. Despite this they have only won the current championship once in 2000 but have represented Ecuador 4 times in the Copa Libertadores. Their recent win against Deportivo Quito means they lead the table on goal difference but are still in relegation trouble as their cumulative points (over two terms) sees them in 2^nd bottom overall.

Deportivo Quito is still floundering at the bottom and in the midst of a real crisis. Unless they can turn around their dreadful form relegation shall also be threat.

Round 10 results.

Liga de Loja 6 – 0 Técnico Universitario

Olmedo 2 – 0 Deportivo Quito

Macará 4 – 2 Manta F.C.

El Nacional 1 – 1 Deportivo Cuenca

Emelec 2 – 2 Liga de Quito

Independiente 1 – 1 Barcelona

There is a genuine strength to the Serie A this season with all teams taking surprising places. Usually the Guayaquil giants: Emelec and Barcelona would dominate along with Liga de Quito. This year however the smaller teams have stepped up to the plate and made genuine challenges to the status quo.

September 18, 2012 0

Things are warming up nicely for next weeks World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in the Atahaulpa stadium. Despite the game being at 4pm on Friday afternoon and the capacity of the stadium being decreased to 35,000 the atmosphere should be electric. Alike many South American cities, Quito will come to a stand-still next Friday with many Ecuadorians sporting their bright,yellow shirts in support of “El Tri”.

The Olympics went by largely without a much notice(apart from Alex Quinonez).Football is where the real interest lies.

On Monday Ecuador coach, Reinaldo Rueda named his squad of 24 to face Bolivia and Uruguay. The one major surprise was the re-inclusion of Felipe Caicedo (Lokomotiv Moscow) who has been out of the international picture since 2011. The squad has a core of home based players but with extra quality from Mexico’s Primeria Division and Europe.

Christian “Chucho” Benitez is on fire for Club America and is normally Ecuador’s main goal threat however he will be suspended for the Bolivia game after picking up a yellow card against Colombia. This is a severe problem for Ecuador as Benitez is their attacking spear and the focal point for the team. Usually Valencia, Montero or Quinonez will bomb down the wings and cross for the physical Benitez to muscle his way into a goal-scoring chance, someone else will now have to step in.

ECUADOR SQUAD FOR GAMES AGAINST BOLIVIA AND URUGUAY

GOALKEEPERS:

DOMINGUEZ, (LIGA DE QUITO)

BANGUERA, (BARCELONA)

BONE, (DEPORTIVO QUITO)

DEFENCE:

PAREDES, (DEPORTIVO QUITO)

ACHILLIER, (EMELEC)

AYOVI, (MONTERREY, MÉXICO)

CALDERON, (LIGA DE QUITO)

CAMPOS, (BARCELONA)

ERAZO, (BARCELONA)

GUAGUA, (ATLANTE , MÉXICO)

MIDFIELD:

CASTILLO, (PACHUCA , MÉXICO)

LEON, (INDEPENDIENTE)

MINDA, (CHIVAS, USA)

QUIÑONEZ, (EL NACIONAL)

ARROYO, (BARCELONA)

SARITAMA, (DEPORTIVO QUITO)

VALENCIA, (MANCHESTER UNITED )

MONTERO, (MORELIA , MÉXICO)

ROJAS, JOAO (MORELIA , MÉXICO)

ATTACK:

AYOVI, (AL NASSR,SAUDI ARABI)

BENITEZ, (AMÉRICA,MÉXICO)

CAICEDO, (LOKOMOTIV ,RUSSIA)

MINA, (BARCELONA)

IBARRA, (VITESSE, HOLLAND)

Regardless Ecuador will have to play better than they did against Colombia. Although they scrambled to a 1 – 0 win in July this was mainly due to Colombia being so disappointing. Anything less than a win will hamper their qualification chances and put them back in the 5th place mix, especially with a tough trip to Montevideo three days later.

Bolivia are coming off a fine win against Paraguay and as fellow Andeans will not be affected by the altitude. They languish in 7th position and need points to jump-start their campaign.


Chile	6	12
Uruguay	5	11
Argentina	5	10
Ecuador	5	9
Venezuela	6	8
Colombia	5	7
Bolivia	6	4
Paraguay	5	4
Peru	5	3

The squad will not assemble until Thursday after the Ecuadorian teams have completed their 1st ties of the Copa Sudamericana. All teams progressed after tricky first round ties but the competition steps up a level with the inclusion of a higher level of opposition. Despite this each team should be relatively confident of passing into the next round.

Tuesday, August 28 – 17:15
	Cobreloa (Chile)	vs	Barcelona

Thursday, August 30 – 17:15
	Deportivo Quito	vs	Aurora (Bolivia)

With 8 games played Deportivo Quito’s season is essentially over bar their participation in the Copa Sudamericana, It is hard to believe they won the Championship last year as they are currently rooted to the bottom and don’t look like climbing the table. Similarly Liga de Loja are struggling in 2nd bottom position unable to recapture last terms form.

The big teams (Barcelona, Emelec and Liga) continue scrape to single goal wins and it looks like their matches against each other will go a long way to deciding the title.


	Liga de Loja	1 – 2	Liga de Quito

	Deportivo Cuenca	1 – 2	Barcelona

	Macará	2 – 0	Técnico Universitario

	Emelec	1 – 0	Olmedo

	Independiente del Valle	1 – 0	Manta F.C.
The Quito derby will be played later because of Deportivo’s involvement in the Copa Sudamericana
	El Nacional	vs	Deportivo Quito

Team			P	W	E	L	Pts	GD
1.	Barcelona		8	5	2	1	17	+7
2.	Emelec	1	8	5	1	2	16	+2
3.	Macara	2	8	5	0	3	15	+3
4.	Manta FC	2	8	4	2	2	14	+4
5.	Liga de Quito	1	8	3	4	1	13	+1
6.	Olmedo	2	8	3	3	2	12	+4
7.	The National		7	1	5	1	8	+2
8.	Deportivo Cuenca		8	2	2	4	8	-3
9.	Independiente	3	8	2	1	5	7	-5
10.	Tec Universidad	1	8	1	4	3	7	-6
11.	Liga de Loja	1	8	1	2	5	5	-6
12.	Deportivo Quito	1	7	0	4	3	4	-3

August 28, 2012 0

The Estadio Olimipico Atahaulpa has seen better days and more than deserving of a lick of paint and a general spruce up. If its character you want then Ecuador’s national stadium has it in spades but if its comfort and safety then your better to head to the Casa Blanca, home of Liga de Quito.

I have only been in the Atahaulpa once when it has been full, and i mean full to bursting point. Usually it’s league inhabitants: Deportivo Quito, El Nacional and Universidad Catolica barely attract a 3rd of the stadium.

In July’s World Cup qualifier versus Colombia there was not a free seat in the house. Thousands more than the official capacity of 40,948 were rammed into the crumbling old amphitheater and with hundreds of people sitting on the stairwells and down the aisles it was dangerous in the extreme. Also with a deep pit below and between the fans and pitch it was not hard to imagine the possibility of disaster.

That being said the atmosphere was amazing even when purchasing a beer or visiting the toilet entailed a slalom course of hell. It was probably as close as you can get to 1980’s British match experience. The likes of which we will never see or feel again.

The stadium was opened in 1951 and it’s hard to believe it has changed much in the years since. It is a big concrete block of a structure which looks like the home of a Soviet Bloc team or nation. Unless you pay extra for the covered Palcos area you will be left open to the weather, its beating sun or sometimes torrential rain and similarly the Palcos/Tribuna are is the only place with seats.

388040_466306596735857_352221169_n — The proposed breakdown of seating in the Atahaulpa stadium.

When you are paying only $6-7 dollars for a normal match-day ticket a seat could be viewed as a luxury but at $25 for the international matches it is the least you could expect. With this in mind the Ecuadorian Football Federation has decided to seat the whole of the stadium at the cost of $17 million.

The refurbishment will decrease the overall capacity but as the security at capacity games seems to be lax in the extreme it will likely not make a difference.

However as the Ecuadorian Football federation invest in their national stadium they also face the possibility of losing two of their main tenants. Both El Nacional and Deportivo Quito have released plans for their new stadiums and while these have been protracted ambitions it seems they have real pretensions to fly from the national nest.

bc0788bef8beabe7b38aac4324e4c746 — plans for Deportivo Quito’s new stadium

While Deportivo Quito’s plans have been on going for a a few years El Nacional have taken the next step and rewarded the construction contract to a Mexican company. Both teams however will be hoping a change of venue will inspire their teams into an unprecedented era of success alike their city neighbours Liga de Quito who went on to win the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana post flit.

nacional_titu — El Nacional’s new stadium plans.

August 21, 2012 0

This morning much of Ecuador woke up to the news that their Government had granted asylum to Julian Assange, the founder of the whistle-blowing website Wikileaks. The Australian has been holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for two months claiming to be the victim of a political witch hunt and unwarranted persecution.

By the end of today they will probably be burning Union Jacks (the same ones the British Embassy were handing out in Olympic based stunts last month) and shredding pictures of David Beckham and Mr Bean on the streets of Quito as the local populace are revved into a state of national hysteria by the partisan media sources.

Either that or the Ecuadorians will probably realise it is another diplomatic storm in a teacup and pay it the little attention that it deserves.

For those of the proper persuasion and less susceptible to media propaganda and provocation the real news will be Ecuador’s fine 3 – 0 win over Chile in yesterday’s friendly international.

The game was played in Citi Field, New York home of the famous baseball team, the New York Mets. A mainly Ecuadorian crowd of 31,901 braved the torrential rain to cheer on their idols and watch Narciso Mina, Jaime Ayovi and Jefferson Montero score and record a fine win.

Chile fielded a depleted team with notable absentees being star midfielder Arturo Vidal (Juventus) and defender Osvaldo González (Universidad de Chile) but still with Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) and Eduardo Vargas (Napoli) in their starting 11. As current leaders of the CONMEBAL World Cup qualification table they were favourites to win the match.

Ecuador fielded a strong side consisting mainly of Ecuadorian Serie A based players and their talisman and superstar Antonio Valencia (Manchester United). Cristain Noboa (Dynamo Moscow) was injured but Cristian Bentitez (Club America) started the game.

In reality the game was over before it had really started with Ecuador coming bursting out of the traps to take a 2-0 lead before 14 minutes had passed. With little deference to the “friendly” nature of the match “El Tri” decided to impose their athletic superiority from the outset and bullied the slighter Chileans.

As per usual Ecuador’s attacking impetus flowed through Antonio Valencia on the right wing. Twice in succession his runs were left unchecked leaving him to lay-on chances that were converted by Narciso Mina (10′) and Jaime Ayovi (14′). The goals were similar in nature: low slide rule passes to the centre of the box, leaving the Chilean defence slow and open and the goalkeeper Miguel Pinto helpless.

The Ecuadorians continued to attack for the remainder of the half and they missed several chances to seal the win with a conclusive 3^rd goal. At times the play reached boiling point with late challenges and sliding tackles aplenty on the wet and slippery pitch.

As the rain abated in the 2^nd half Chile came more into the game but it was Ecuador who sealed the win in 68 minutes through Jefferson Montero (Morelia, MX). Ecuador’s keeper Dominguez thumped a high ball over every player into the Chilean box confusing the Chilean defence into inaction. The ball bounced to Montero who easily headed over a scrambling Pinto, ending the game as a contest.

The win is a fine confidence booster for Ecuador going into their qualifiers next against Bolivia at home then Uruguay away. Lying in 4rth position Ecuador need to pick up points if they have any realistic pretensions of attending Brazil 2014, a fact which is not lost on national coach Reinalda Rueda who said post- match:

“The team was loose, they were confident; I hope we can repeat this performance when it’s worth three points.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq0AX7j2j98&feature=player_embedded

In this week’s Copa Sudamericana match Liga de Loja ensured their passage into the next round with a 4 -2 home win against Monagas of Venezuela. Protecting a 0 – 2 lead from the 1^st leg Liga needed only to avert disaster and quickly put Monagas to the sword courtesy of a Carlos Feraud strike in between another Fabio Renato hat-trick.

Deportivo Quito and Emelec continue their Sudamericana adventure next Wednesday.

I was up in Tena last weekend, deep into the jungle and far from any internet connection. The big Guayaquil derby was won by Barcelona to preserve their lead of the table. At the bottom of the table Deportivo Quito again failed to record their first win leaving them rooted to the bottom for a 5^th consecutive week. Liga again were beaten and Independiente hammered by Macara. The rest of the games were uninspiring draws leaving the table largely unchanged.

Deportivo Cuenca 0 – 0 Deportivo Quito

Liga de Loja 1 – 2 Manta F.C.

Técnico Universitario 0 – 0 Liga de Quito

El Nacional 1 – 1 Olmedo

Independiente 0 – 3 Macará

Emelec 1 – 2 Barcelona

P Won D L Pts GD

Barcelona 6 4 2 0 14 +7

Manta 6 4 1 1 13 +5

Macará 6 4 0 2 12 +2

Liga 6 2 4 0 10 +2

Emelec 6 3 1 2 10 0

Olmedo 6 2 3 1 9 +3

El Nac 6 1 4 1 7 +2

Dep Cu 6 1 2 3 5 -4

Indepe 6 1 1 4 4 -4

Loja 6 1 1 4 4 -5

Técnico 6 0 4 2 4 -5

Quito 6 0 3 3 3 -3

Again this week there is a full complement of fixtures in Serie A but I will be venturing north to the home of Aucas in the 3^rd division on Sunday. Much like Rangers at home Aucas are a fallen giant who have tumbled down the leagues. Traditionally they attract the support of the lower classes of Quito and are the historical rivals of city giants Liga. The Aucas supporters claim to be the most passionate in Ecuador and I will judge for myself on Sunday versus Pilahuin Tio.

This weekend’s Serie A fixtures.

Macará vs Emelec

Olmedo vs Independiente del Valle

Liga de Quito vs Deportivo Cuenca

Dep Quito vs Liga de Loja

Manta F.C. vs El Nacional

Barcelona vs Técnico Universitario

August 16, 2012 1

I was quite surprised to learn that Ecuador have only won 2 medals in their Olympic history and both of these by the same person; Jefferson Perez in the 20 km walk (Gold and Silver). Considering the Ecuadorians have the benefit of altitude training i would have thought they should have had more success.

But then again considering how much money the richer nations plough into their Olympic teams it could be argued that Ecuador and the other Andean nations are competing at a severe disadvantage.

This time round it looks as if they will finish medal-less with their faint hopes in the BMX, weight-lifting and boxing looking more and more remote but they may still succeed in the 200 metres and Alex Quinonez, a bricklayer from Esmeraldas who has surprised everyone to reach the final.

For many in Ecuador the Olympics have passed by un-noticed, Football is their national obsession often at the expense of other sports.

Last Sunday was the battle of the giants with Liga de Quito playing Barcelona of Guayaquil in the Casa Blanca. The entertaining 2 -2 draw helped preserve Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table while leaving Liga in 4rth.

The first 5 games of the Segunda Etage (second stage), apart from Barcelona, have gone contrary to the first stage and last years Championship. It is strange but gratifying to see a league that is so open and changeable, Liga de Loja just enjoyed one of there most successful terms in history but so far this time round have disappointed, similarly Independiente have struggled to find their previous form.

Macará	2 – 1	El Nacional

Liga de Quito	2 – 2	Barcelona

Olmedo	2 – 1	Liga de Loja

Deportivo Quito	0 – 0	Técnico Universitario

Manta F.C.	2 – 0	Deportivo Cuenca

Emelec	2 – 1	Independiente del Valle

The real losers so far however have been Deportivo Quito who have yet to record a victory this term. Considering their investment in new players and a new coach their current form leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table with no chance of retaining their Championship.On Sunday they continued their rotten run with a poor 0 – 0 draw at home to Technico Universitario.

Manta FC have so far been the surprise team of the season and their 2 – 0 (Rosa and Chingas scoring just after half-time) home win against Deportivo Cuenca boosted them to 2nd place. Macara also secured a fine 2-1 win at home to El Nacional and rise to 5th place.

Team			GP	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1.	Barcelona		5	3	2	0	11	+6
2.	Manta FC	1	5	3	1	1	10	+4
3.	Emelec	1	5	3	1	1	10	+1
4.	Liga de Quito	2	5	2	3	0	9	+2
5.	Macara	1	5	3	0	2	9	-1
6.	Olmedo	1	5	2	2	1	8	+3
7.	El Nacional	2	5	1	3	1	6	+2
8.	Independiente		5	1	1	3	4	-1
9.	Liga de Loja	1	5	1	1	3	4	-4
10.	Deportivo Cuenca	1	5	1	1	3	4	-4
11.	Tec. Universidad		5	0	3	2	3	-5
12.	Deportivo Quito		5	0	2	3	2	-3

In the Copa Sudamerican Barcelona thumped Deportivo Tachira of Venezuela 5 – 1 to ease their passage into the next round. Perlaz, Quinonez, Oyola, Matamoros and De La Torre each got a goal before Gonzalez got a late consolation.

Next week Deportivo Quito, Liga de Loja and Emelec will try to follow Barcelona’s lead when they complete their 2nd legs.

The big match of week 6 will be Emelec vs Barcelona or the Clásico del Astillero (The Shipyard Derby) in Guayaquil. This derby is recognised as the most important and historical games in Ecuador and with Emelec only one point behind their city rivals it should be a barnstormer (unfortunately i will be in the Amazon jungle all matter of beasts and insects). All of the week 6 matches will take place on Sunday but it is no exaggeration to say that all Ecuadorian eyes will be upon the George Capwell Stadium in Guayaquil.

Deportivo Cuenca	vs	Deportivo Quito

Liga de Loja	vs	Manta F.C.

Técnico Universitario	vs	Liga de Quito

El Nacional	vs	Olmedo

Independiente del Valle	vs	Macará

Emelec	vs	Barcelona

Next Wednesday Ecuador will take on Chile in a money spinning friendly in Citi Field, New York home of the New York Mets (Baseball). With a large Ecuadorian and Chilean ex-pat population the match should be capacity and give Reinalda Rueda the chance to prepare his team before next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Uruguay.

August 9, 2012 0

On Wednesday I managed to get along to the Atahaulpa Stadium for the Quito derby: Deportivo Quito vs Liga. Unfortunately it was a fairly drab game with neither team really creating a lot of chances. The game was not a total loss however as I managed to scoop a fair few beers and see Edison Mendez in the flesh (something that impressed my PSV supporting friend a lot more than me). For such a big derby the stadium was less than half full and number around 15-20,000.

Both goalkeepers had a couple of fine blocks and many punched clearances but in the main they were largely untroubled throughout the game. Liga appear to have a far more physical and taller team but did not really use this advantage.

Deportivo enjoyed the bulk of possession and looked the more threatening but with the notoriously, profligate Bevacqua leading the line, chance after chance was squandered. It’s hard to understand why Deportivo decided to retain Bevacqua when he seems to be so static and uninspiring. He did have one acrobatic chance which was tipped over the bar but barring this fleeting moment of apparent genius he was fairly rotten and was subbed not long after the 2^nd half started.

Nelson Acosta (Deportivo coach) continues to tinker with his new side and this time he left Luis Saritama and Jefferson Hurtado on the bench. It was a risk that did not pay off and leaves Deportivo in 2^nd bottom position. The Uruguayan has to quickly find his best 11 and start to record victories if Deportivo are to mount a league challenge.

In the nights other games Emelec beat Liga de Loja to take first place in the table. Renato scored the opener in 36 minutes for Loja but a late charge and two goals from Marlon De Jesus secured the points with Palacios adding on more deep into injury time. The defeat for Loja secured their bottom place position.

Olmedo thumped Universitario 4 -1 in Rio Bamba with Garavano , Caicedo , Sanjurjo and Souza getting a goal a piece.

Independiente drew with El Nacional 1 -1 with both goals coming in one minute: Leon Henry for Independiente in 67 minutes and Juan Luis Anangono for El Nacional in 68.

While in Ambato, Macara beat Deportivo Cuenca 2 -0 again with the goals coming in quick succession in the 52^nd and 53^rd minutes. The win boosted Macara to 3^rd position.

Alos on Wednesday night Barcelona played their first game in the Copa Sudamericana drawing 0 – 0 away to Deportivo Tachira of Venezuela which gives them a strong chance of progressing.

Emelec 3 – 1 Liga de Loja

Olmedo 4 – 1 Tec. Universitario

Independiente 1 – 1 El Nacional

Deportivo Quito 0 – 0 Liga de Quito

Macara 2 – 0 Deportivo Cuenca

Copa Sudamericana

Deportivo Tachira 0 -0 Barcelona

Team p w d pts

Emelec 3 2 1 7

Barcelona 2 2 0 6

Macara 3 2 0 6

Liga de Quito 3 1 2 5

Olmedo 3 1 1 4

Independiente 3 1 1 4

El Nacional 3 0 3 3

Manta FC 2 1 1 3

Dep Cuenca 3 1 0 3

Tec Uni 3 0 2 2

Dep Quito 3 0 1 1

Liga de Loja 3 0 1 1

On Sunday there is a full match day in Serie A. For the first time I am going to make predictions but given I have never won money in all my years of gambling (in football) I’d take these bold guesses with more than a pinch of salt.

El Nacional 1 – 4 Emelec

Liga de Quito 2 -2 Independiente

Deportivo Cuenca 2 -1 Olmedo

Técnico Universitario 0 – 0 Manta F.C.

Barcelona 2 -1 Deportivo Quito

Liga de Loja 0 – 2 Macará

July 27, 2012 2

Liga de Loja 2 – 2 E Nacional

Deportivo Cuenca 2 – 1 Independiente

Deportivo Quito 0 – 1 Manta F.C

LDU Quito (Liga) 0 – 0 Olmedo

Barcelona 4 – 0 Macara

Technico Univ 1 – 1 Emelec

Barcelona moved clear of the pack to take the lead in this term’s 2^nd game. The Guayaquil giants hammered Macara 4 – 0 to take a two point lead over their city rivals Emelec, who could only draw 1 -1 versus Technico Universitario. Emelec sit level with Liga with 4 points.

With only two games played it is hard to make any judgements but in general most teams have carried on their 1^st term form.

The real surprise so far has been Deportivo Quito who lost for the 2nd time in a row against Manta. Deportivo have invested heavily in new players but so far they have failed to improve their fortunes. Similarly Liga de Loja have made a poor start to this term and languish in 2^nd bottom. Both teams will hope to abandon their league form when they compete in the Copa Sudamericana matches in the next month.

Team P W D L PTS

Barcelona 2 2 0 0 6

LDU (Liga) 2 1 1 0 4

Emelec 2 1 1 0 4

Cuenca 2 1 0 1 3

Manta 2 1 0 1 3

IJT 2 1 0 1 3

Macara 2 1 0 1 3

National 2 0 2 0 2

Technical U. 2 0 2 0 2

Olmedo 2 0 1 1 1

L. Loja 2 0 1 1 1

D. Quito 2 0 0 2 0

Week 3 will take place on Wednesday with the pick of the bunch being a Quito derby in the Atahualpa Stadium. In reality Deportivo must beat Liga if they want to retain their championship.

Barcelona face a tough trip to Manta while their city rivals, Emelec play Liga de Loja at home.

Independiente – VS – Nacional

Macara – VS – Deportivo Cuenca

Olmedo – VS – Tecnico U.

D. Quito – VS – L. D. U (Liga)

Manta -VS – Barcelona

Emelec – VS – L. Loja

In other new the Ecuador Football Association released the dates and time for the next two World Cup Qualifiers. In reality the association’s hands have been tied by another dreadful directive by FIFA. Alike the European based qualifiers matches will now be taking place on Tuesdays and Fridays. The games will probably take place in the late afternoon locally setting in motion a mass scurry of movement in Quito. Lame excuses and requests for early days are being conjured all over Ecuador as I write.

Game 7

07.09.2012 | 15.30hs. (20.30 GMT) | Uruguay vs. Colombia

07.09.2012 | 16.00hs. (21.00 GMT) | Ecuador vs. Bolivia

07.09.2012 | 20.10hs. (23.10 GMT) | Argentina vs. Paraguay

07.09.2012 | 20.15hs. (15.01 GMT) | Peru vs. Venezuela

Free: Chile

Game 8

11.09.2012 | 16.30hs. (19.30 GMT) | Chile vs. Colombia

11.09.2012 | 18.30hs. (21.30 GMT) | Uruguay vs. Ecuador

11.09.2012 | 19.25hs. (23.25 GMT) |Venezuela vs Paraguay

11.09.2012 | 20.25hs. (25.01 GMT) | Peru vs. Argentina

July 24, 2012 0

All the club crests of the Ecuadorian Serie A clubs.

(Deportivo Quito)

(Liga de Quito)

(El Nacional)

(Liga de Loja)

( Barcelona)

(Universidad Technico)

Pride of place has to go to Manta FC. Nothing can beat a footballing fish.

July 17, 2012 0

Deportivo Quito 3 – 0 Macará

Técnico Universitario 1 – 2 El Nacional

Liga de Quito 2 – 0 Manta F.C.

Deportivo Cuenca 1 – 0 Barcelona

Emelec 5 – 0 Olmedo

Liga de Loja 0 – 0 Independiente

The first stage or “etape” of the Ecuadorian Serie A was wrapped up on Sunday with Barcelona claiming top spot. In a dramatic last weekend the Guayaquil giants actually lost away to Deportivo Cuenca 1 – 0 however won the first stage of the Championship due to a superior goal difference.

Liga de Loja finished with the same points total but with an inferior goal difference of 11 and had to settle for the runner-up spot. Considering they were only promoted last year and have fraction of the bigger teams resources Loja can be mightily pleases with their position despite the last day heartbreak (especially as they gained Copa Sudamericana qualification).

The real last day losers were Independiente Jose Teran who were pipped both for the title and a Sudamericana place. The provincial team from Sangloqui had led the table for the majority of the “etape” but were leapfrogged by Barcelona, Loja and Emelec after Sunday’s games.

Again despite finishing the league equal with Emelec they were bumped to 4rth as a result of an inferior goal-difference. This wasn’t helped by Emelec thumping Olmedo, 5 – 0.

The league now moves into the 2^nd stage which will be the same format as before. At the end of this term the two stage winners will play-off for the total championship.

The 1^st stage has been fairly disastrous for the Quito teams with Liga de Quito, Deportivo Quito and El Nacional finishing 6^th, 7^th and 8^th respectively. Deportivo have already made moves in the transfer market in order to retain their championship and Liga have also brought in new faces but Nacional have still to invest.

As stage winners Barcelona qualify for both the Copa Libertadores (which has recently finished for this year) and the Copa Sudamericana . Liga de Loja and Emelec qualify for the Copa Sudamericana along with Deportivo Quito who qualify as the winners of last season’s second stage(starting at the end of July).

Draw for Copa Sudamericana

Barcelona vs Deportivo Tachira (Venezuela)

Liga de Loja vs Monagas (Venezuela)

Emelec vs Universidad de San Marin (Peru)

Deportivo Quito vs Leon de Huanuco (Peru)

July 11, 2012 1

DEPORTIVO VS MACARA

Someone, in their wisdom decided to have this week’s game on Friday afternoon at 12pm. The result was a crowd of barely 2,000 even with tickets slashed to encourage attendance. Luckily I finished my classes at 11.40 so I walked 5 minutes over to the stadium to take in the matinee performance.

The rotund, old woman that sells the tickets outside was offering $2 Tribunas or $3 populars but as she tried to force them into my hand I noticed the $10 Palco VIP tickets underneath. I was feeling flush so decided to invest and walked into the mouth of the stadium and up the stairs.

After choosing the wrong stand entrance I was ushered higher and higher until I reached the various boxes and executives suites, all of which were a far cry from the luxury of the EPL or even SPL. I do not want to appear snobby because I know Ecuador does not have the wealth of Europe but the countries footballing organisations generate enough funds from a fervent supporter base to reinvest in what is the national stadium.

Only last month the national team attracted well over 40,000 for their World Cup qualifier versus Colombia and with tickets a minimum of $25 it’s clear that the money is there.

The Atahualpa Stadium was officially in 1951 and I doubt much has been done to it since. Despite this the stadium engenders charm and reminds me of old pictures of Hampden Park with its one single covered stand and the rest open to the beating sun.

It’s clear the stadium is steeped in history with its many marble plaques commemorating teams and players of old but it wouldn’t take much to improve its dilapidated and run down appearance.

The palco VIP box was empty and soulless and with a huge dirty, glass screen hampering vision and deafening the sound of the match so totally useless for a proper match experience. So I trundled back down the stairs and asked to be allowed into the cheaper seats with my over-invested ticket. Lesson learned.

Macara or Club Social y Deportivo Macará are based in the central city of Ambato and share their stadium with Club Deportivo Técnico Universitario also of Serie A. Known as El Idolo de Ambato (The Idol of Ambato) or Celestes (Sky blues), because of their the shirts, Macara were promoted to the first tier last year after finishing runner-up in Serie B.

Previously their golden period was in the 1980’s when they had several South American stars. Despite this they never managed to win any trophies.

Before today’s game Macara lay in 10^th position with 21 points, 3 ahead of their city rivals while Deportivo Quito, after an indifferent start had recently climbed to 7^th.

Deportivo started the match by far the brighter with captain,Luis Saritama dominating the midfield and linking up well with Danny Luna. In the opening period both teams had half chances but it was the home side that capitalised on their early dominance by taking the lead on 15 minutes. Congo did well to run down an over-hit pass deep into Macara’s half then cut back a neat ball to Luna at the edge of the box. Instead of shooting form distance Luna dummied the ball to his captain who controlled the ball then placed a beautiful long range shot past a helpless Christian Mora. It was an excellent strike from Saritama and indicative of his current form and confidence.

Macara almost secured parity barely a minute later when their striker, Rodriguez was put through on goal but he ballooned his shot far over the crossbar. The game then got bogged down in midfield for a spell with stray passes and tackles limiting chances. Although Quito were creating the better opportunities, Julio Bevacqua as centre forward was looking slow and cumbersome with his poor first touch spoiling chances to shoot.

Quito doubled their lead in 28 minutes again through Luis Saritama. He dribbled into the box then played a short pass to Folleco who then shimmied past two defenders and smashed the ball high into the Macara net. It was deserved on the balance of play and put Quito firmly in control of the match. Despite this Macara continued to threaten and only some fine acrobatic saves from Adrian Bone denied the sky blues their needed goal. At half time Quito were in command but needed a 3^rd to finish the game.

Macara started the 2^nd half with a greater intensity and started to pepper the Quito goal with many shots and crosses. Luckily Bone was in fine form and commanded his box when his defenders looked sluggish and lackadaisical. On several occasions the Quito keeper was quick to leave his lines and smother the ball or run down shots. After one such block Quito raced up field to score and end the game as a competition.

This time Folleco turned provider with a high cross to Bevacqua who headed down into the goal. At first it seemed as if Mora had saved but he couldn’t prevent the ball from slipping over the line.

At 3 – 0 Quito could afford the opportunity to try out the young Jose Miguel Andrade who impressed in the last 20 minutes but was denied a goal first by the woodwork then by an awful offside decision.

In the end Deportivo Quito ran out comfortable winners thanks largely to their captain Luis Saritama and some impressive goalkeeping with Adrian Bone.

The win boosts Quito up into 5^th position while Macara still linger 3^rd from bottom.

July 7, 2012 2

Tuesday, August 28 – 19:45

Olympia (Paraguay)

Wednesday, August 29 – 17:15

Liga de Loja

Nacional (Uruguay)