Monday, February 13, 2012

Ocampos leads River to 2-0 win over Chacarita

Vélez, Racing stumble to opening draws in the Clausura

Soccer — Argentine league

Lucas Ocampos scored an extraordinary goal in River Plate’s 2-0 victory over Chacarita to return to the top of the National B Division. Vélez Sársfield and Racing Club started their Clausura Tournament campaign with draws against Godoy Cruz and Tigre, respectively.

LA PLATA — River Plate reached Instituto of Córdoba and Rosario Central at the top of the National B Division standings after beating Chacarita 2-0 yesterday at the Ciudad de La Plata stadium in a match for the 20th round of the competition.

The victory, tenth for Matías Almeyda’s side in the season, came with an own goal by Damián Toledo and a fantastic strike by midfielder Lucas Ocampos, in the 33rd and 39th minute respectively.

River accumulated 37 points to share the lead with Instituto and Rosario Central, and will face Independiente Rivadavia of Mendoza at the Monumental stadium. Chacarita stayed in the last place with 14 points.

Almeyda’s team went ahead when defender Sebastián Pena tried to clear the ball, but it hit Toledo and went into his own net.

The 17-year-old Ocampos, the man of the match, doubled the difference when he scored with a shot from outside the area, impossible to reach for goalkeeper Nicolás Tauber.

Striker David Trezeguet made his official debut in River when he replaced Ocampos in the 78th, but he did not have much contact with the ball.

Also yesterday, Racing Club and Vélez Sársfield, the clubs expected to challenge favourites Boca Juniors for the Clausura title, both played out draws.

Racing drew 0-0 against Tigre in Avellaneda, and Vélez drew 1-1 with Godoy Cruz at the José Amalfitani stadium.

Boca Juniors got off to a winning start on Friday to open the new season, defeating Olimpo 2-0.

Earlier yesterday, Atlético Rafaela opened with a victory, beating Banfield 3-0.

Tigre had the edge in the match and Nelson Javier Carrasco had a chance for the winner in the 84th minute, but shot over the crossbar from close range.

Racing’s Giovanni Moreno also had an opening to win it in the 89th, but his chip at an open net missed by inches.

Mauro Óbolo gave Vélez a 1-0 lead in the 16th, but Facundo Castillón equalized in the 25th.

Rafaela were led by Darío Gandín, who scored in the 60th and again in second-half injury time against Banfield. Matías Fissore score the other in the 16th for Carlos Trullet’s team.

In a late match yesterday, Argentinos Juniors played against Unión at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium.

Boca won the Apertura title in December, the first half of Argentina’s split season, and most are picking the Buenos Aires club to win the Clausura.

Herald staff with agencies