Club America played Atlas in the round of 32 in the 2024 Leagues Cup at Snapdragon Stadium this Friday, August 9. A huge crowd was expected at the Mission Valley Fortress, along with an immense atmosphere for this match, and the atmosphere did not disappoint.

The attendance was less than expected, but Snapdragon Stadium was about the loudest it has been since its inception on the night. Both teams went all out with strong starting lineups, and this was also Club America’s debut in this year’s Leagues Cup.

Atmosphere is peak here at Snapdragon Stadium for Club América vs Atlas. However, not the turnout that was initially expected for this match.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/nzbiWJgioQ

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) August 10, 2024

Drums were beating, fans were cheering, and Snapdragon Stadium was nearly shaking with all of the movement in the stands. Club America was the dominant team in the first half and in the match, with 63 percent possession and three shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.

The Mexico City team struck first on the board in the 20th minute when Erick Sanchez scored off a rebound. Sanchez was fortunate in his positioning after a shot by Javairo Dilrosun, heading the ball in. Snapdragon Stadium exploded after the goal in what was one of the loudest moments of the night.

Atlas was not giving much of a fight but was able to reorganize and tie the match in the second half. In the 59th minute, Raymundo Fulgencio sent a cross to Jose Lozano, who headed the sphere into the back of the net. There was a group of Atlas fans celebrating the goal, but a majority of boos and jeers around the stadium.

After that goal, Club America coach Andre Jardine made the most important substitution of the night when Diego Valdes was brought on for Jonathan Dos Santos. Valdes immediately increased America’s attacking prowess and creativity going forward. Javairo Dilrosun spoke to EVT about his teammate Valdes after the match. “He’s a very good player, I think when you saw him coming on the pitch, the game changed. He’s a very important player for the team”, said Dilrosun.

Was able to ask a couple of questions to Club América’s Javairo Dilrosun. Was arguably man of the match in this game. Asked about his teammate Diego Valdes, who he linked up with on América’s second goal and about the fans in San Diego.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/MKQoAeR9Mq

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) August 10, 2024

Valdes and Dilrosun quickly linked up and generated Club America’s second goal of the night in the 73rd minute. Valdes and Dilrosun touched the ball back and forth then the Dutch forward made an incredible flick into a pass to Henry Martin, who finished the opportunity perfectly with a touch in front of net.

This was arguably the loudest moment of the night as Snapdragon Stadium burst in euphoria after the goal. Javairo Dilrosun talked to EVT about the Club America faithful. “I think in every game we play, the fans are good, so it doesn’t matter where we play; the fans are always good.”

Club America held down the result with relative ease in what was more of a spectacle in the stands after that second goal. Fans from both teams had smoke bombs in the stands and generated what many consider a very traditional and passionate atmosphere at the “Snap”.

Club America came away with the win in what was a must-see night for San Diego soccer at Snapdragon Stadium. Las Aguilas will play in Los Angeles in the round of 16, and it is still not clear if any other games in this competition will be played in San Diego.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.