Club America, River Plate Familiar Foes

When Club America of Mexico faces River Plate of Argentina in an international exhibition tonight at 8 in the Coliseum, the Eagles will be meeting a familiar foe while preparing for bigger and better things.

America, champions of the Mexican first division Summer tournament, and River Plate, Argentina’s Closing tournament titlist, have met twice in the last four months in the South American Copa Libertadores tournament. America defeated River Plate, 1-0, in Buenos Aires on Feb. 28 before playing to a scoreless tie in Mexico City on March 13.

America advanced from its Libertadores group and will play Sao Caetano of Brazil in the semifinals July 9.

“We’re using this match as a warm-up,” said America forward Ivan Zamorano, a native of Chile. “It’s a personal dream to be able to play for the [South American club] championship after already winning championships in Chile and Mexico.”

America is bringing its full squad to the Coliseum, including Frankie Oviedo, a midfielder on the Colombian national team, and Mexican players Pavel Pardo, Duilio Davino and Luis Hernandez.

River Plate is led by Fernando Cavenaghi, whose 14 goals led the Argentine league, and playmaking midfielder Andres D’Alessandro.