Agustin Marchesin
Armando Marin/JAM MEDIA)
After an impressive performance from Santos Laguna at home which saw them take a five goal lead against Club Queretaro in the Liga MX final, the Guerreros are reluctant to the feeling that the champion trophy is virtually in their hands and instead are setting their mind on concentrating on the second leg.
According to the soccer legends who mastered the art of scoring goals, visualization is key. Javier ‘Chuletita’ Orozco who scored a historic poker is no stranger to such strategy.
“Like a forward you always dream about them, dream and think about them. Every night I thought about scoring goals, and more goals. I always want more, and look at me now,” said Orozco after a night that he will never forget.
When Chuletita just arrived at Santos he was quoted saying that he wanted to win titles after years of frustration in Cruz Azul. Now he is close to adding a second one to his time with the Laguneros.
“We are on step away, but we have to play just like today.”
Nestor Calderon was an outstanding players in the league in terms of goals scored and assists registered by a Mexican born player. He scored a golazo in the semifinal and was fundamental on the opening goal for Santos in the final’s first leg.
Calderon expressed what most Guerreros mindset is knowing that they have a five goal lead going into the second leg.
“We know nothing has been won, there’s still 90 minutes left, and we have to keep going like today,” said ‘Avion’ Calderon. “No, I think deep down you can’t assume you already won the championship, we have to give everything and think about winning there too.”
Agustin Marchesin had a tough time deciding to leave his home country Argentina and play abroad. To add to his difficult decision, he was being chosen to cover the spot of Oswaldo Sanchez – the long time captain an icon of Santos Laguna.
But it only took a few months for Marchesin to become one the Santos fans new hero. The Argentina keeper’s name was often chanted by the people on the stadium.
“It was beautiful (fans chanting my name), I left many things behind coming over here. It was very hard to take the decision,” said Marchesin whose company in the mixed zone included his mother. “My first experience and getting to the final, but beyond that from the first day they always treated me well, giving me all their confidence, knowing that the greatest idol of this institution was left in the past.
“The fans have made me feel very well. I’m grateful to this institution that is very serious, they work in a similar matter as in Lanus, were family is a priority, beyond soccer they cover stuff outside the game in the social aspect. It feels me of pride and satisfaction to be a part of this club,” Marchesin commented.
Adrian Aldrete who has made the left back position his own on Pedro Caixinha’s backline and who will be joining the Mexican National team for Copa America after the final is over felt that the fans were particularly special and connected to the team on Thursday night.
“Today it was fantastic and magical for everyone. This has been the best game I’ve seen in regards to the fans, I’m eternally grateful for tonight. There was a smooth bond between the team and the fans,” said Aldrete.
And just like other Santos players, Aldrete made it clear that they don’t feel like the champions just yet.
“No, of course not. We will be stupid to think like that. We have made a great first half of this final but there is still 90 minutes left that are just as important.”
More Santos Laguna v Queretaro
Match Report: Holy poker by Chuletita Orozco has Santos Laguna on the verge of a championship
Supporter culture – Mexico style
Rico on Futbol: Bizarre end to a bizarre season
