¡Campeones del Apertura 2007!

Atlante are the kings of Mexico. Los Potros Hierros, or the Iron Colts, beat Pumas UNAM on Sunday by 2-1 to win the Mexican league title. It's the club's first title since 1993 and, as far as I could tell, the first major soccer trophy the city of Cancun has laid claim to. Atlante relocated from Mexico City to Cancun prior to the start of the season.

Though they aren't a headlining club, Atlante earned their championship and proved to be the best team in Mexico this season. Atlante knocked off a strong Cruz Azul club in the quarterfinals, beat one of the best defensive clubs in Chivas in the semifinals and finished off its successful playoff run by beating the hottest team in Mexico and the giant-slayers of Pumas, who had beaten top seed Santos and second-seeded Toluca in the first two rounds.

Atlante may have caught lightning in the bottle this season. Newcomer Giancarlo Maldonado was magnificent as he shredded opposing defenses and the club's newfound dedication to defense paid off. Also, the move to Cancun helped energize the club. Whether or not Atlante can sustain its high level of play in the Clausura 2008 season remains to be seen but for now the club is the reigning monarchs of Mexico.