Buenos Aires, Argentina – June 1st 2010

It is no secret that River Plate is going through some tough times, but as a club and as an institution. Daniel Passarella, president of the institution, decided not to travel to South Africa in his role of Vice President of AFA to remain in Buenos Aires and fix some of the problems in the club.

The main objective was to bring the Juventus-duo; Trezeguet and Camoranessi. However, the financial problems of the club did not allow negotiations to go through. The same financial problems have stuck the negotiations for Juan Pablo Carrizo, Mario Bolatti and Matias DeFederico.

In order to re-strengthen the squad, River started looking for players on a loan basis. The first three players that could sign for “El Millonario” this season are Josepmir Ballon, Leandro Caruso and Marcos Perez.

River and the Universidad de San Martin de Porres have already agreed on the transfer of the Peruvian International Josepmir Ballon. Initially, Ballon would arrive to River on a year loan for U$250,000, with the option of acquiring 50% of the player’s rights after the loan is over for U$750,000. “His arrival will only depend on an agreement between the player and the club” said Alvaro Barco, general director of the USMP. The 22 year old midfielder comes to the club to contest Matias Almeyda, captain and idol of the club.



Leandro Caruso admitted today that negotiations with River Plate are in progress, and that he expects to have positive feedback in the next few days. During an interview with Argentine media giant TyC Sports, Caruso admitted contact with both Daniel Passarella and Angel Cappa. Caruso, is expected to return to Italy to join Udinese for pre-season, however the interest from River Plate could change things, especially considering the fact that the Italian club is after several River Plate youngsters. Initially he would also arrive to the club on loan for one year.



The revelation of the Clausura 2010 was Marcos Perez. The Colombian International was key for Gimnasia LP to remain in first division. In the last couple of weeks his name had been linked to clubs like Boca Juniors, and Estudiantes de La Plata. However, Daniel Passarella has taken the necessary measures to contact Full Play, the company that manages his rights and a loan is already being negotiated. Perez would arrive on loan for one year with a buy option of U$2,500,000. If successful Perez would become the third Colombian center forward to join the club (Angel and Falcao). Upon his arrival, Gustavo Canales could depart to Colon de Santa Fe as part of a debt River holds with Colon.



Cappa also requested a goalkeeper, and after making unsuccessful efforts for Juan Pablo Carrizo and Justo Villar, Passarella is going after Gaston Monzon, the young goalkeeper of Huracan. Monzon was part of Cappa’s famous Huracan that gave birth to the tiki-tiki.

River begins to give shape to the new squad; we are 2 months away from the beginning of the Apertura and anything can happen. River may even surprise and brake the market in a surprise signing.

Ballon, Caruso and Perez could sign with River Plate this week

Argentinos Juniors defeated Huracan 2-1 and ended a drought of 25 years.

In 1985 they were led by a young and talented player, Claudio Borghi. The squad not only earned the local title, but won the Copa Libertadores and Played the Intercontinental Cup against Juventus, game they lost in penalty shootouts after a 2-2 draw. In 2010 the squad was once again led by Claudio Borghi, but this time as a player.

The club was founded on August 14, 1904. In 1905 they played their first game as a football team, the result was catastrophic, 12-1 defeat. In 1909 they gained the affilitation to AFA. 22 years later, in 1931 Argentinos joined 17 other clubs in forming a breakaway professional league, a move that marked the beginning of the professional era of Argentine football.

Argentinos were allowed to keep their place in the Primera, but succumbed to relegation in 1937 after finishing second from bottom of the table.

In 1940 Argentinos enjoyed a good campaign in a new stadium, which culminated in winning the 2nd division, but the club were not allowed promotion because their ground did not meet the requirements of the Primera División, and AFA would not make an exception for Argentinos to play at another ground, even though they had done so for several other promoted clubs in previous seasons.

In 1960 there was a complete overhaul of the Argentinos Juniors team, the new team performed well and it was only on the last game of the season that they missed out on the championship. They finished in 3rd place, only 2 points below the eventual champions Independiente. Although they didn't win the championship, the team is fondly remembered by those old enough to have seen them play. In the following years the team did not live up to expectations, rarely finishing in the top half of the table.

On Thursday 20 October 1976, fans of Argentinos Juniors witnessed probably the most important debut in the history of Argentine football With Argentinos losing 1-0 the manager, Juan Carlos Montes sent on a fifteen year old debutant named Diego Armando Maradona making him the league's youngest ever player until his record was broken by Sergio Agüero in 2003.
The Nacional championship of 1985 was the last, and featured by far the most complicated structure in the history of the Argentine Primera. Once the competition reached the knockout stage, the eliminated teams got another chance to play on in the losers knockout. Argentinos won the winners group with a 4-2 penalties win against Vélez Sársfield after a 2-2 aggregate score, but Velez got another chance to play for the title after beating River Plate in the losers final. Argentinos and Velez played for the title and after a 1-1 draw, Velez won the penalty shootout, but because they has come from the losers group a new game was needed, which Argentinos won 2-1. The squad was led by a young star, Claudio Borghi.

In 2010 , Argentinos Juniors was once again led by Claudio Borghi, this time as a coach. Nobody expected “los bichitos” to win the title, the objective of the season was to earn the most ammount of to impove the averages, the team had finished last with only 15 points the previous season.

Cluadio Borghi was leader, his three pilars Raymonda, Calderon and Dominguez, the only veterans in the club, they also happen to be the only players in the squad to win a championship.

Borghi had to deal with the sale of Hauche and Torrico, in his place he was able to bring Calderon back from retirement. The 39 year old playerd a crucial role in the squad.

Today La Paternal celebrates, 25 years later they can say once again “DALE CAMPEON”.

Argentinos Juniors wins the Argentine League after 25 years

This victory is dedicated to my friend MICAELA CAPPONI who is a big fan of Gimnasia de La Plata.

If the result of a game were to be determined based upon the team’s roster and previous results then Estudiantes would have clearly been the winner, but games last 90 minutes and have to be played.

Both teams came into this game with a different standing, Gimnasia needs every point to avoid relegation and remain on the first division. On the other side, Estudiantes, one of the most regular and effective clubs in the league, just returned from losing the finals of the club world cup to F.C. Barcelona, they are making a fine run in the league and will begin the Copa Libertadores next week.

This could also Mauro Boselli's last derby before he is transferred to the EPL.

The game was played at “El Bosque”, home of Gimnasia LP. Due to the incidents from their last encounter, there were no away fans. The field was packed with home fans despite the weather.

The game started fairly even, with Gimnasia and Estudiantes alternating chances in attack. Gimnasia broke the seal in the 45^th minute of the first half, when Denis Stracqualursi headed a cross that came from the left wing, and placed the ball right to the near post where Agustin Orion could not reach it.

The second half began with Gimnasia dominating the game, with a brilliant Marco Perez. The Colombian striker’s speed and power made him lethal. In the 24^th minute of the second half Marco Perez was brought down for a penalty kick. Denis Stracqualursi took the shot, but was deflected by Orion who at this time was becoming a key player on Estudiantes. But he held his head up high, and just 10 minutes later he put Gimnasia 2 goals up.

Estudiantes didn’t give up and pushed all their players into Gimnasia’s end. In the 43^rd minute of the second half, Gimnasia couldn’t clear a ball in the midfield, which was stolen by Estudiantes and Veron with all his class scored the first goal for Estudiantes. You could see the nerves on the players faces, and their actions said it too.

Gaston Sessa became a hero after stopping two one on ones and giving his team hope. When the game was almost over, Cuevas sealed the game for Gimnasia when Agustin Orion failed to clear the ball and allowed Cuevas to score on an open net.

Gimnasia beat their archrivals after 9 games and 5 years. Their last victory was in 2005, with a 4-1 victory. This game means a lot, not only for the result, but because there are 3 valuable points which will help them remain in the category. The hero of the night Stracqualursi; the foe Agustin Orion. Gimnasia beats Estudiantes and starts dreaming about avoiding relegation.

Later on tonight Boca Juniors will face Lanus, and tomorrow night River Plate will visit Chacarita Juniors in a game that promises to be of high intensity.

El clasico “Platense” – Gimnasia LP vs Estudiantes LP

The last round of matches of the 2009 Argentine Clausura featured a "championship" game as 1st place Huracán traveled to 2nd place Vélez Sarsfield for a match the entire Argentine footballing nation would be mesmerized by. The match began as normal but after 20+ minutes the game was delayed due to visible hail slightly smaller than golf balls.

After the hail passed, it didn't take long for the match to take shape. In the 25th minute, a penalty was awarded to Vélez when forward Juan Manuel Martinez was taken down in the box by Huracán defender Carlos Araujo. Hernán López stepped to take the spot kick but Huracán keeper Gaston Monzon made a massive save.

In the 30th minute, Vélez looked to have their goal when a header from a corner kick was cleared off the line by well-placed Huracán defender Carlos Arano who used his head to make a big save. 12 minutes later, Huracán defender Eduardo Domínguez had his header attempt denied by the crossbar.

The championship goal came in the 83rd minute when Vélez forward Maximiliano Moralez buried a loose ball in the box. The controversial goal came after Vélez substitute forward Joaquín Larrivey appeared to have fouled Monzon after they both went for the ball and Larrivey inadvertently kicked Monzon just after the keeper knocked the ball away.

The 1-0 scoreline would hold up after 13 minutes of added time after the last few minutes of regulation were delayed by a mysterious disappearance of game balls. The delay caused an expletive laden tirade from Huracán coach Ángel Cappa. The last two minutes turned a bit ugly when players from both sides got testy with Vélez defender Sebastián Domínguez ending the match bloodied after referee Gabriel Brazenas finally blew the final whistle.

Huracán was valiant in defeat but Vélez's dominant home form carried them to their 7th Argentine title. El Fortín was the only team to finish unbeaten at home for the entire Clausura tournament as Ricardo El Tigre Gareca wins an Argentine 1st division title for the first time in his managerial career.

Here are the Week 19 results & final standings of '09 Clausura:

SUNDAY, JUNE 26th

Arsenal 1 - 1 Independiente
ARS: Franco Jara (32')
IND: Federico Mancuello (61')

FRIDAY, JULY 3rd

Racing Club 2 - 1 Newell's Old Boys
RAC: Matías Martínez (21') & Adrián Lucero (48')
NOB: Alexis Machuca (2')

SATURDAY, JULY 4th

Banfield 0 - 3 Tigre
TIG: Carlos Luna (40'), Ariel Broggi (og 44'), Sebastián Rosano (53')

Colón de Santa Fe 1 - 3 Boca Juniors
COL: Germán Rivarola (39')
BOC: Martín Palermo (57' & 69') & Sebastián Battaglia (68')

Rosario Central 0 - 1 Godoy Cruz
GCZ: Iván Borghello (24')

San Lorenzo 3 - 0 Argentinos Juniors
SLZ: Gonzalo R. Bergessio (15' & 56') & Juan Torres (75')

River Plate 1 - 2 Estudiantes La Plata
RIV: Diego Buonanotte (65')
EST: José Calderón (25') & Marcos Rojo (50')

SUNDAY, JULY 5th

Gimnasia La Plata 2 - 0 Gimnasia Jujuy
GLP: Sebastián Romero (4' & 68')

San Martín de Tucumán 2 - 3 Lanús
SMT: Daniel Vega (52') & Jorge Serrano (72')
LAN: José Sand (pen 2' & 63') & Diego Lagos (86')

Vélez Sarsfield 1 - 0 Huracán
VLZ: Maximiliano Moralez (83')

STANDINGS

Vélez Wins '09 Argentina Clausura

There is the trophy every team in Argentina is playing for as we are now one week away from seeing who will be kissing that trophy. The results of this round of matches has set up what could be called a championship game. The game of the week was between Lanús and Vélez. Entering the game Lanús was in 3rd place and Vélez sat in first.

José Sand scored his 11th goal of the tournament in the 31st minute finishing a skillful set of passes that ended with Sand scoring from a centering pass. On the road, Vélez looked as if they would suffer their 2nd loss of the season after midfielder Fabián Cubero was red carded for an errant elbow in the 46th minute. Despite being a man down Vélez pressed forward and won a PK in the 69th minute when forward Juan Martínez was taken down in the box. Uruguayan forward Hernán López converted the dot shot for his 11th of the year and the 1-1 final score.

The split of points opened the door for Huracán to take 1st place in the standings with a win. El Globo did just that with their 3-0 home demolition of Arsenal. Huracán won as they have all season with balanced scoring as 3 different players found the back of the net. The victory was Huracán's 5th straight win and extended their unbeaten streak to 9 games.

Huracán is now in 1st place and will travel to Vélez on the final week of the Clausura tournament in what will be the championship game. Unfortunately, the story coming out of the Huracán-Arsenal game was the violence in the stands that led to 2 deaths & 4 others injured. The violence erupted between two rival groups of Huracán fans and marred a festive occasion for El Globo.

Here are the results and standings from Week 18:

FRIDAY, JUNE 19th

Newell's Old Boys 0 - 1 San Martín de Tucumán
SMT: Matías Urbano (36')

Argentinos Juniors 1 - 1 Banfield
ARG: Gabriel Peñalba (19')
BAN: Julio Barraza (57')

SATURDAY, JUNE 20th

Independiente 0 - 1 San Lorenzo
SLZ: Néstor Silvera (56')

Gimnasia de Jujuy 0 - 2 Racing Club
RAC: Franco Sosa (67') & Leandro González (90')

Tigre 0 - 1 Rosario Central
ROS: Iván Moreno y Fabianesi (68')

SUNDAY, JUNE 21st

Estudiantes La Plata 1 - 3 Colón de Santa Fe
EST: José Calderón (61')
COL: Germán Rivarola (24'), Alfredo Ramírez (52'), Esteban Fuertes (88')

Godoy Cruz de Mendoza 1 - 0 River Plate
GCZ: Iván Borghello (9')

Huracán 3 - 0 Arsenal de Sarandí
HUR: Mario Bolatti (36'), Patricio Toranzo (80'), Matías De Federico (82')

Lanús 1 - 1 Vélez Sarsfield
LAN: José Sand (31')
VLZ: Hernán López (pen 69')

Boca Juniors 1 - 2 Gimnasia La Plata
BOC: Martín Palermo (pen 41')
GLP: Diego Alonso (3') & Ariel Agüero (54')

STANDINGS

'09 Argentine Clausura Wrap - Fecha 18

We are 2 rounds away from crowning a new champion in Argentina and it will come down to the final week of the season as the Top 3 teams kept pushing for the title.

1st place Vélez Sarsfield continue to lead the march toward a championship with their 2-0 home win versus Newell's. Hernán López opened the scoring with his 10th goal of the tournament as Vélez have won 3 straight and haven't allowed a goal in that stretch.

Huracán moved into 2nd place in the standings with tough 1-0 road win against San Lorenzo. Paolo Goltz's goal in the 38th minute was enough to give El Globo the 3 points as Huracán are unbeaten in their last 8 matches having won 7 of those 8. If Vélez and Huracán win next week, they meet face to face for the championship in the last week of the tournament.

Lanús fell to 3rd place just 2 points behind Vélez after they lost 4-1 on the road to Arsenal in Sarandi. Cristian Pellerano's double was enough to sink El Granate and snap Lanús' 3-game winning streak. Next week Lanús faces Vélez at home in the must see game of the week.

2 legendary clubs were humiliated this weekend beginning with Independiente losing 5-0 on the road to Banfield. Santiago Silva scored twice to give Banfield the devastating win. It was the 3rd time this tournament that Independiente allowed 5 goals in a game. Boca's disastrous season continued with a 3-0 loss to Racing. Los Xeneizes gave up 3 goals in an 11 minute span as Racing finally scored after going two and a half games without scoring goal.

Here are the results & standings from Week 17:

FRIDAY, JUNE 12th

Banfield 5 - 0 Independiente
BAN: Silva (9' & 48'), López (28'), Fernández (39'), Barraza (64')

Colón 2 - 0 Gimnasia LP
COL: Esteban Fuertes (46') & Lucas Acosta (57')

SATURDAY, JUNE 13th

Vélez Sarsfield 2 - 0 Newell's Old Boys
VLZ: Hernán López (39') & Maximiliano Moralez (56')

Arsenal 4 - 1 Lanús
ARS: Cristian Pellerano (7' & 24'), Sergio Sena (17'), Darío Benedetto (93')
LAN: Maximiliano Velázquez (26')

River Plate 3 - 1 Tigre
RIV: Robert Flores (39'), Radamel Falcao (62'), Cristian Fabbiani (87')
TIG: Leandro Lázzaro (2')

Estudiantes LP 1 - 0 Godoy Cruz de Mendoza
EST: Mauro Boselli (81')

SUNDAY, JUNE 14th

Racing Club 3 - 0 Boca Juniors
RAC: Lucas Castromán (61'), Franco Zuculini (64'), Sebastián Grazzini (72')

San Martín de Tucumán 0 - 1 Gimnasia de Jujuy
GJY: Silvio Iuvalé (32')

San Lorenzo 0 - 1 Huracán
HUR: Paolo Goltz (38')

Rosario Central 2 - 1 Argentinos Juniors
ROS: Pablo Lima (59') & Ivan Moreno y Fabianesi (78')
ARG: Néstor Ortigoza (pen 85')

STANDINGS

'09 Argentine Clausura Wrap - Fecha 17

Three weeks left till we crown a new champion in Argentina and it will come down to three teams. Lanús, Huracán, and Vélez have separated themselves in the title race and kept the competition tight as all 3 teams won.

Lanús scored 3 goals in their 2-1 victory over San Lorenzo. Emir Faccioli's own goal wasn't enough to sink El Granate as José Sand scored his 10th goal of the season. Sand's goal proved to be the game winner as Lanús hold on to 1st place riding a 3-game win streak.

Vélez stayed 1 point behind Lanús in 2nd on the strength of Jonathan Cristaldo's goal in their 1-0 road win against Gimnasia Jujuy. El Fortín has the best defense in the league and have allowed 3 goals in their last 4 games.

Huracán defeated Banfield at home 2-1 to remain 2 points behind Lanús in 3rd place. The game winner was scored in the 76th minute by Patricio Toranzo as El Globo captured the 3 points. Huracán remained in contention for their 1st title since the 1973 Metropolitano tournament.

Estudiantes' 9-game unbeaten streak was snapped when they were shutout on the road 2-0 at Tigre. The loss dropped the La Plata side to 6th place and the clean sheet ended a stretch in which Estudiantes had scored 13 goals in their last 5 games. River Plate took advantage of Estudiantes' loss and moved into 5th place despite a 0-0 draw on the road against Argentinos Juniors.

Here are the results & standings from Week 16:

FRIDAY, MAY 29th

Newell's Old Boys 1 - 1 Arsenal
NEW: Mauro Fórmica (16')
ARS: Sergio R. Sena (12')

Huracán 2 - 1 Banfield
HUR: Mario Bolatti (44') & Patricio Toranzo (76')
BAN: Sebastián Fernández (30')

SATURDAY, MAY 30th

Independiente 3 - 1 Rosario Central
IND: Daniel Montenegro (14', 66', 80')
ROS: Emilio J. Zelaya (91')

Godoy Cruz 1 - 3 Colón
GCZ: Leandro Caruso (69')
COL: Esteban Fuertes (25' & 48') & Germán Rivarola (90')

Lanús 2 - 1 San Lorenzo
LAN: Eduardo Salvio (7') & José Sand (75')
SLZ: Emir Faccioli (og 63')

SUNDAY, MAY 31st

Argentinos Jrs. 0 - 0 River Plate

Gimnasia Jujuy 0 - 1 Vélez Sarsfield
VLZ: Jonathan Cristaldo (50')

Gimnasia La Plata 0 - 0 Racing

Boca Juniors 3 - 0 San Martín Tucuman
BOC: Martín Palermo (34' & 77') & Rodrigo Palacio (75')

Tigre 2 - 0 Estudiantes
TIG: Carlos Luna (55') & Néstor Ayala (68')

STANDINGS

'09 Argentine Clausura Wrap - Fecha 16

With 4 weeks left in the 2009 Argentine Clausura tournament 3 teams separated themselves in the race for the title. Lanús grinded out a 1-0 win over Banfield on the road. Maximiliano Velázquez scored his 2nd goal of the season as El Granate remained in 1st place in the standings.

One of Lanús' main challengers are Vélez Sarsfield who defeated a reeling Boca Juniors squad 2-0 at home to stay 1 point back of Lanús. Hernán López scored the opening goal for Vélez as the forward moved into a tie atop the goal scoring charts with his 9th goal of the tournament.

Huracán sits in 3rd place after beating Rosario Central on the road by a 2-1 margin. The breakout player of the tournament, Javier Pastore continued his impressive play with 2 goals in the match to give Huracán the win. They are unbeaten in their last 6 matches having won 5 of those matches.

Estudiantes needed a hat trick from Enzo Pérez to beat Argentinos Juniors 3-2 in La Plata. The win extended their unbeaten streak to 9 games and its the 3rd time in their last 4 games that Estudiantes has scored at least 3 goals.

Here are the results & standings from Week 15:

FRIDAY, MAY 22nd

Arsenal 0 - 1 Gimnasia Jujuy
GJY: Héctor A. Silva (68')

Godoy Cruz de Mendoza 0 - 2 Tigre
TIG: Néstor Ayala (32') & Carlos Luna (89')

SATURDAY, MAY 23rd

Banfield 0 - 1 Lanús
LAN: Maximiliano Velázquez (28')

San Lorenzo 0 - 2 Newell's Old Boys
NEW: Mauricio Sperdutti (48') & Alejandro Da Silva (62')

Estudiantes La Plata 3 - 2 Argentinos Juniors
EST: Enzo N. Pérez (33', 45', 61')
ARG: Gabriel Hauche (46') & Nicolás Pavlovich (49')

Rosario Central 1 - 2 Huracán
ROS: Iván Moreno y Fabianesi (pen 77')
HUR: Javier Pastore (7' & 65')

SUNDAY, MAY 24th

River Plate 2 - 0 Independiente
RIV: Diego Barrado (29') & Radamel Falcao (37')

Vélez Sarsfield 2 - 0 Boca Juniors
VEL: Hernán López (61') & Jonathan Cristaldo (63')

Colón de Santa Fe 0 - 0 Racing Club

San Martín de Tucumán 0 - 1 Gimnasia La Plata
GLP: Esteban González (37')

STANDINGS

'09 Argentine Clausura Wrap - Fecha 15

Week 14 witnessed the return of Boca icon Juan Roman Riquelme after just over a month off from injury and Boca responded at La Bombonera with a 2-1 win versus Arsenal. Crístian Chavez's goal in the 40th minute gave Boca a much needed win. Riquelme's presence help Los Xeneizes snap a 7-game winless streak.

Lanús moved to the top of the table with their 2-1 home win over Rosario Central. Diego Lagos game winner in the 70th minute gave Lanús the 3 points. Vélez Sarsfield slipped to 2nd place after suffering their 1st defeat of the tournament. Gimnasia La Plata blasted Vélez 3-1 at home. Gimnasia's Mariano Messera scored his 1st goal of the season as Gimnasia ended a 9-game winless streak.

Huracán embarrassed River 4-0 at home with Javier Pastore scoring twice to move Los Quemeros into 3rd place in the standings. Huracán are unbeaten in last 5 having won 4 of those games. The other ass whipping happened in Avellaneda where Estudiantes crushed Independiente 5-1. Los Pincharratas had 5 different goal scorers in the win and their 8-game unbeaten streak has seen them shoot up to 5th place in the table.

Here are the scores & standings from Week 14:

FRIDAY, MAY 15th

Argentinos Juniors 2 - 4 Godoy Cruz
ARG: Gabriel Hauche (62') & Ignacio Canuto (72')
GCZ: Leandro Caruso (5' & 49'), Victor Figueroa (pen 68' & 84')

Lanús 2 - 1 Rosario Central
LAN: Sebastián Blanco (47') & Diego Lagos (70')
ROS: Pablo Lima (18')

SATURDAY, MAY 16th

Huracán 4 - 0 River Plate
HUR: Javier Pastore (39' & 76'), Medina (63'), Toranzo (86')

Newell's Old Boys 1 - 1 Banfield
NEW: Alejandro Da Silva (77')
BAN: Sebastián Fernández (21')

Gimnasia LP 3 - 1 Vélez Sarsfield
GLP: Mariano Messera (19'), Sebastián Romero (41'), Juan Cuevas (50')
VLZ: Jonathan Cristaldo (18')

Tigre 2 - 1 Colón
TIG: Carlos Luna (26' & 84')
COL: Esteban Fuertes (97')

SUNDAY, MAY 17th

Boca Juniors 2 - 1 Arsenal
BOC: Luciano Figueroa (24') & Crístian Chavez (40')
ARS: Mauro Matos (6')

Racing 1 - 2 San Martín Tucuman
RAC: Marcos Cáceres (34')
SNM: Mario Turdó (30') & Matías Urbano (58')

Independiente 1 - 5 Estudiantes LP
IND: Daniel Montenegro (81')
EST: Salgueiro (16'), Fernández (41'), Galván (46'), Núñez (51'), Valencia (89')

Gimnasia Jujuy 0 - 3 San Lorenzo
SLZ: Gonzalo Bergessio (56') & Bruno Fornaroli (65' & 70')

STANDINGS

'09 Argentine Clausura Wrap - Fecha 14

For a couple of years people have been trying to see who is the net big thing to come out of Argentina. This season the international fans have lost focus of the Argentine league and there is a legitimate reason why.

1. Lanús
2. Vélez Sarsfield
3. Huracán
4. Colón
5. Estudiantes
6. Godoy Cruz

In seventh place you will find a struggling River Plate and further down an aging Boca Juniors side that might start to hear the clock ticking louder and louder. The Clausura has really eliminated the stigma of only two clubs winning tournaments there. There is a great chance that Lanús might win their second title in a span in 18 months.

Ever since Sergio Agüero there have been a few good players that have made the leap across the pond, but none of them have been showing as much promise as Huracán's Javier Pastore.

At 19, Pastore has become the sensation of the Argentine league. He has seen European sides like Rayo Vallecano look for his services as of last year. But this year, his performances attracted the attention of clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Porto. He has also caught the eye of national team coach Diego Maradona. Moments like these give a young player like Pastore the motivation to take flight and become the next big thing to come out of Argentina; and with performances like the one against River last weekend little doubt is left.

Led by native of Córdoba, Huracán has become the sensation of the Argentine Clausura. They find themselves two points behind leaders Lanús and with a great opportunity to apply even more heat to both teams ahead of them. Ángel Cappa has taken this group of youngsters through a bumpy road during his time at the helm at El Globo. His lanky frame and his youthful smile hide the killer instinct and innate ability that makes him a game changer for the next decade.

What makes Pastore's rise to popularity right now even more amazing is the fact that he has not played for one of the big Argentine sides, and will most likely not do so.

The Newest Big Thing In Argentina

Week 13 of the '09 Argentine Clausura saw only 2 sides win matches. Godoy Cruz beat Independiente 2-0 at home as Godoy's leading scorer in the Clausura, Leandro Caruso notched his 5th goal of the tournament. The other victorious side was Colón.

The men from Santa Fe beat San Martin Tucuman by the same scoreline. Colón moved to within 1 point of 2nd place Lanús on the strength of a double by veteran forward Esteban Fuertes. Lanús' José Sand scored in the 47th minute for his league leading 9th goal as Lanús drew 1-1 against River at the Monumental.

Vélez maintained 1st place with a valiant 2-2 draw against Racing at home. Vélez trailed 2-0 deep into the 2nd half before fighting back with a header goal by Sebastián Domínguez in the 76th minute and the equalizer from a free kick from Víctor Zapata in the 87th. El Fortín remain unbeaten in the '09 Clausura having allowed 4 goals in 7 road games in the Clausura.

Estudiantes La Plata came back down to Earth with their 1-1 draw against 4th place Huracán. Mario Bolatti's header in the 71st minute helped Huracán keep pace with the Top 3. Estudiantes were ballin' after their impressive 3-0 victory over Libertad of Paraguay in the 1st leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 matchup.

Here are the results and standing from Week 13:

FRIDAY, MAY 8th

Banfield 2 - 2 Gimnasia Jujuy
BAN: Santiago M. Silva (26') & Sebastián Fernández (55')
GJY: Ricardo E. Gómez (2') & Walter Busse (11')

Tigre 1 - 1 Argentinos Juniors
TIG: Carlos Luna (28')
ARG: Gabriel Peñalba (22')

SATURDAY, MAY 9th

Arsenal 0 - 0 Gimnasia La Plata

Vélez Sarsfield 2 - 2 Racing Club
VLZ: Sebastián Domínguez (76') & Víctor Zapata (87')
RAC: Claudio Yacob (44') & Rubén Ramírez (pen 51')

Colón 2 - 0 San Martin Tucuman
COL: Esteban Fuertes (65' & 89')

SUNDAY, MAY 10th

Rosario Central 1 - 1 Newell's Old Boys
ROS: Emilio Zelaya (80')
NEW: Mauro Fórmica (21')

Godoy Cruz 2 - 0 Independiente
GCZ: Lautaro Fórmica (65')& Leandro Caruso (77')

San Lorenzo 1 - 1 Boca Juniors
SLZ: Gonzalo Bergessio (86')
BOC: Facundo Roncaglia (26')

River Plate 1 - 1 Lanús
RIV: Radamel Falcao (7')
LAN: José Sand (47')

Estudiantes La Plata 1 - 1 Huracán
EST: Christian Cellay (24')
HUR: Mario Bolatti (71')

STANDINGS

'09 Argentine Clausura Wrap - Fecha 13