America secured a 3-1 victory over San Diego in the Group Stage of the Cup Ligan on Thursday. The hosts took an early lead before the visitors fought back to level before half-time. Two second-half goals gave America control of the match.
B. Rodriguez opened the scoring in the eleventh minute, a moment that set the tone for the fixture. San Diego responded through E. Sanchez at thirty-three minutes, and I. Violante restored America's advantage just before the break with a goal in the forty-fifth minute plus two. By then the hosts had built a cushion that would prove decisive.
L. Bombino doubled America's lead in the sixtieth minute. The visitors could not find a way back despite several substitutions on both sides — I. Pilcher, Icaro, A. Dreyer, O. Valakari, Gabriel Pirani and B. Rodriguez all came on. I. Violante was substituted at eighty-six minutes after his early goal.
San Diego held more possession at fifty-seven percent but struggled to convert their advantage. America registered eleven shots on target compared to four from the visitors, and three big chances created versus three for San Diego. The hosts completed 370 passes while the visitors managed 505, yet shots accuracy favoured America at forty-eight percent against forty.
The win extends America's recent run — they had won three of their last five matches before this fixture. San Diego's form has been inconsistent, with draws and losses in their previous outings. The result puts America in a stronger position in the group standings.