Tournament Rigors and America's Resilience

In the midst of the challenges of the Ascenso Tournament, playing under the scorching sun on a baseball field is also required. América endured the adversities of the Erasmo Camacho Calamar stadium and managed to secure a draw in their visit to Valledupar.

Under the guidance of Fernando Velasco, the team took to the field with five defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards; cautious, conceding ground and possession. Consequently, they were swiftly struck.

Johandrys Pérez opened the scoring for the 'vallenatos' (17'), taking advantage of an error by Wilmer Largacha, who, like Laineker Zafra, was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup.

América, on the counterattack, also threatened the goal defended by Juan Chaverra, who, during the first half, diverted a powerful shot from left-back Andrés Felipe Rivera, and was at the mercy of 'Teclas' Farías, Del Valle, and Uruguayan defender Rodrigo Canosa, the most incisive player for the Reds in attack, aggressive in aerial play, but fragile in pushing the ball with his right foot in a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

The goal for the team from Valle del Cauca came shortly before the end of the first half... Ayron del Valle, on this occasion, showed no mercy to the Valledupar goalkeeper, eluding him after a defensive indecision, and finishing with an empty net (46').

In the second half, the coach of the American team made three changes: Cristian Restrepo replaced Andrés Rivera, David Cortés came on for Brayan Urueña, and Aníbal Hernández replaced 'Tecla' Farías. As the match approached its conclusion, referee Jonathan González ignored a penalty foul on Uruguayan Hernández.

The Reds also benefited from the lack of precision from the team led by Hugo Arrieta. Luis Moreno, facing the goal, misdirected his header and missed the opportunity for victory for the home team.

América secured their second consecutive draw and their fifth point after the first three matchdays of the second phase of the B Tournament. The Reds, who will be hosts to Real Santander in the next matchday, reached 30 points, while Valledupar remained with 21 points.