Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Sangre americana preview: Padilla


San Jose, Calif., native Jesus Padilla had a once-promising career at some point. But now, he seems firmly entrenched in the second division. That much was evident last season when he spent all but a brief moment of his time with Tapatio.

How much has changed entering the Apertura 2008 season? Not a whole lot.


Padilla played in Chivas' preseason match against FC Dallas but by the end of SuperLiga was back on Guadalajara preparing for the start of Tapatio's Primera A campaign. A goal scorer by trade, Padilla is in fact fulfilling that role for Tapatio. He scored a goal in Tapatio's first match of the Primera A season.

Yet the team has apparently chosen to go in a different direction. With the loss of Omar Bravo to Deportivo la Coruna in the offseason, Chivas had a big hole to fill up top but Padilla's opportunity to fill that role was brief. Omar Arellano will likely get more playing time in Bravo's absence.

Continued success with Tapatio may or may not open doors for Padilla. A season ago, Padilla was able to play in two league games as well as two Copa Libertadores matches. Perhaps if injury or international duty takes some players away, Padilla may find his place on the first team. Otherwise, it could be more of second-division soccer for Padilla.

2 comments:

A.C. said...

They're killing me with the continued delusion that he was born in Jalisco.
San Jose!
And speaking of San Jose, they could use a good striker. Go home, Jesus!

Anonymous said...

He could always try Chivas USA.