Suspension issues for América after horror show against Nexaca | OneFootball

América are counting the cost of a shock 3-0 loss at home to Nexaca during which two of the Azulcrema received their marching orders.

In addition to failing to return to the top of Liga MX table, the already injury-hit Eagles have to plan for next Friday’s game at Pumas without suspended duo Bruno Valdez and Santiago Cáseres.

Valdez saw red after just 15 minutes when he came in late with his studs on the calf of Maxi Salas.

The visitors took swift advantage of their extra man and were 2-0 up by the 27th minute courtesy of a brace from Mauro Quiroga.

América were then left to play the last 35 minutes with just nine men after Cáseres was also shown a straight red.

Salas was again the victim as Cáseres lost control and raked his studs down the back of the Nexaca man’s left leg as he shielded the ball on the end line.

Juan Delgado added a third goal for Los Rayos four minutes from time to complete a miserable night for the hosts.

While the was no doubt that either dismissal was warranted, América manager Miguel Herrera tried to claim afterwards that Valdez’s follow through on Salas was accidental.

“That of Bruno steps on the player because it is swept by the ball and he will take the plunge,” Herrera said.

“It is not an artisan move or a forward action to give a slap.

“It seems to me that it is accidental, but it is taken as an expulsion and that is how we assume it.”

The defeat leaves América level on points at the top of the table, but trailing leaders Cruz Azul on goal difference.