When you think about Mexico’s great teams and Liga MX’s elite teams, Queretaro is never really mentioned. They’ve had their club fold and rebuild a number of times and just made their first league finals a year ago. With that finals appearance though, Queretaro have navigated their way to the quarterfinal stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.
While the team lacks historical experience and titles, the White Roosters are led by Victor Manuel Vucetich, a coach who is seen by many as the most successful Mexican born coach. Most recently it includes his time with Monterrey, where he captured two league titles and three CONCACAF Champions League. The three CCL were all won back-to-back-to-back, meaning his experience in the tournament is essential for the team’s success.
Queretaro might not have the deepest team or the biggest stars in Mexico, they do have a nice balance of quality players that include young guns and veterans. The backline is led by Captain Miguel Angel Martinez and Mexican internationals Yasser Corona and George Correl. Another name that will be familiar with USMNT fans will be former Chivas USA player Jonathan Bornstein, who became a folk hero for the club on their run to the finals last year.
The midfield is being ran by Mexico’s 2006 World Cup veteran, Brazilian born Sinha. At his age, he struggles to go a full 90 minutes at a consistent basis, but his ability to see the field and control the tempo of the game with his passing is till second to none.
For Queretaro to be successful and if they hope to make a run in the knockout stage, the forwards must produce. The majority of that will fall on Emanuel Villa to continue to produce like he has for the better part of his career.
Few will pick Queretaro as favorites to win the CCL, but with a team with some game changers and a coach who is a three-time winner in this tournament, Queretaro has the ability to make a run at the CCL trophy.