Quito -
América de Quito scored 4-0 against Manta FC and remains at the top of the standings in Serie B. Two goals in each period secured the victory for the cebollitas, who reached 37 points on the table, one match away from the end of the first stage.
The game this afternoon at Atahualpa stadium marked the beginning of the 21st round of the tournament.
Orlen Quintero opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and at the 23rd minute, Óscar Sarsoza once again beat Manta FC's goalkeeper Nicolás Gentilio, taking a 2-0 advantage into halftime.
At the start of the second half, Ronaldo Oñate (49th minute) extended the lead, and Federico Laurito sealed the 4-0 victory in the 65th minute with a shot inside the box.
Manta FC approached the home team's goal for a consolation goal, but shots from Jorge Palacios and Hernán Sannz did not find the back of the net due to the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Darwin Cuero.
With the victory, América reached 37 points on the table, and is three units ahead of its closest rival, Fuerza Amarilla (34), who drew 1-1 in their visit to Santa Rita.
The stage concludes next week and has the cebollitas as virtual winners due to the three-point difference and a favorable goal average of 13 goals, compared to the machaleños' one. (D)