CHILE -- While the Águilas of América suffers dead last in the general standings of the Mexican Soccer Federation, the club advanced last week to the second round in the Copa Libertadores.
Chile's Universidad Católica defeated the Mexican club 2-0 last Thursday.
But by the difference in goals scored throughout the tournament for América secured them a continuance to the next round of the prestigious south American tournament.
"They were just a single goal to pass to the next round and they would have obtained it, except for posts and the great performance of the goalie Guillermo Ochoa," said local media El Mercurio.
América and Universidad Católica finished with 9 points in Group 5.
Mexican soccer teams qualified for one of three invitations to the Copa Libertadores.
Representing México was Atlas, Chivas of Guadalajara and the Águilas.
The Chivas and América are revered in México, because of their long history of victories and participation in the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol.
México's Atlas will advance to the next round even if they lose their upcoming match against Chile's Colo Colo April 22.
Atlas defeated Argentina's Boca Juniors 3-1 on April 8.
Mexican Federation leaders Chivas of Guadalajara, México had a resounding 3-0 victory over San José of Bolivia, but failed to advance in the tournament.
Cucuta of Colombia and Santos of Brazil have secured spots in the next round.
Adrián Fernández celebrates birthday, but no NASCAR victory
MÉXICO CITY -- Mexican race car driver Adrián Fernández finished 14th in the Nascar Nationwide México 2008 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Fernández - whose drives the Lowes car - celebrated his birthday moments before the start of the race, which was won by Kyle Busch of the United States.
For Busch, it's his third victory on the NASCAR Nationwide Series Circuit.
In year's past, Fernández finished in 10th and 12th places.
Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Chicago Fire lose in MLS
ILLINOIS -- México's Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Chicago was held to a scoreless loss against the onslaught of the Kansas City Wizards, who put out the Fire 1-0 last Sunday in Major League Soccer.
Jack Jewsbury scored the single goal for Kansas City.
The Fire suffers their first loss without any goals scored. Kansas City remains atop of the Eastern Conference standings with 10 points, while Chicago has 7 in the same group.
Chivas USA lost 2-0 to FC Dallas last Sunday. FC Dallas has yet to lose a match this season in the MLS.
Abe Thompson and Kenny Cooper each scored goals to lift FC Dallas over Chivas USA, the little brother of the famed Mexican Soccer League team, Chivas of Guadalajara.
FC Dallas continues at the top of the Western Conference with 8 points, while Colorado trails with 6. Chivas USA is in third place with 4.
Fresno Fuego hosts the Seals in PDL opener
The Fresno Fuego will host the San Francisco Seals in the home opener in the Premier Development League.
The PDL Player of the Year Pablo Campos will attempt to lead the Western Conference champions to back-to-back berths in the national semifinals.
In an exhibition game last Saturday at Chukchansi Park, the Fuego won 4-0 over the Sacramento Knights of the National Premier Soccer League.
The Knights are also an amateur team playing in northern California, the counterparts of the Fuego, who play in PDL.
Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Chukchansi Park. Tickets are $9 per adult, kids 10-and-under are free. The Fuego will host fireworks after the match in the stadium.
Smog City Roller Grrls will battle in Fresno
Fresno's Smog City Roller Grrls will host the Santa Cruz Roller Girls April 26 at Valdez Hall in the Fresno Convention Center.
Doors open at 6 p.m. the bout begins at 7 p.m. against the Santa Cruz Roller Girls.
Tickets: $12 advance; $15 at the door; and kids 10-under are free.
Live music will be provided by The Giddy-Ups throughout the evening and at halftime. Tickets available at Retro Rag, Sugerhill Skate Shop. For more information, call 559-222-SCRG (7274).