The games against Independiente Rivadavia took place at Gargantini Stadium in Mendoza Park, with the home team securing 1-0 victories in both matches.
With these friendlies behind them, San Martín now shifts their focus to their season opener against Atlético Tucumán, scheduled for Friday at 9:30 p.m.
San Martín concluded their preseason preparations with two kind matches against Independiente Rivadavia this past Saturday, marking the end of an intensive training period under the guidance of coach Raúl Antuña. The team, which recently earned promotion to the First Division, faced narrow 1-0 defeats in both encounters at Gargantini Stadium in Mendoza Park. These matches served as a final tune-up before their highly anticipated season opener against Atlético Tucumán next Friday.
Preseason Recap: A Mixed Bag of Results
The friendlies were structured into two 30-minute halves,allowing the coaching staff to evaluate different tactical setups and player combinations. In the first match, San Martín fielded a lineup featuring many of the key players who were instrumental in their recent promotion. The starting eleven included Matías Borgogno in goal, with Alejandro Molina, Rodrigo Cáseres, Luciano Recalde, and Dante Álvarez forming the defensive line. The midfield was anchored by Nicolás Pelaitay, Gino Olguín, Sebastián González, and Ezequiel Montagna, while Tomás Fernández and Federico González spearheaded the attack.
Despite the strong lineup,San Martín struggled to break down Independiente Rivadavia’s defense and ultimately fell to a 1-0 defeat. The second match saw a rotated squad take the field, with Bonansea replacing Borgogno in goal. The defensive quartet consisted of Adin, lopes, Burgos, and Diarte, while Escalante, Watson, Jaurena, and Menéndez controlled the midfield. Casa and Toloza led the attack this time, but the outcome remained the same, with Independiente Rivadavia securing another 1-0 victory.
Key Takeaways and Areas for Betterment
While the results were not ideal, the friendlies provided valuable insights for Coach Antuña and his staff. The matches highlighted the need for sharper finishing in the final third, as San Martín failed to convert their chances into goals. Additionally, the team’s defensive organization will need to be tightened ahead of their First Division debut, as they conceded in both matches despite fielding a strong backline.
On a positive note, the preseason has allowed the squad to build chemistry and fitness, which will be crucial for the challenges ahead. The rotation of players across the two matches also demonstrated the depth of the squad, giving Antuña multiple options as he finalizes his starting lineup for the season opener.
Looking Ahead: Atlético Tucumán Awaits
With the preseason now behind them, San Martín shifts their focus to their First Division debut against Atlético Tucumán. The match is scheduled for friday at 9:30 p.m., and the team will be looking to make a strong statement in their return to the top flight. Coach Antuña has emphasized the importance of tapering off the intensity of training sessions in the lead-up to the game, ensuring that the players are in peak physical and mental condition.
The Verdinegro faithful will be eagerly anticipating this clash, hoping to see their team translate their preseason preparations into a positive result. While the friendly defeats against Independiente Rivadavia may raise some concerns, they also serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the First Division. San Martín will need to rise to the occasion and prove that they belong among argentina’s elite.
Final Thoughts
As the countdown to the season opener begins, San Martín finds themselves at a pivotal moment. the preseason has been a mix of hard work, experimentation, and lessons learned. While the results in the friendlies were not ideal, they have provided a foundation for growth and improvement. The team’s ability to adapt and refine their game plan will be key to their success in the upcoming campaign.
For now, all eyes are on Friday night, as San Martín prepares to take the field against Atlético Tucumán. The stage is set, and the Verdinegro squad will be determined to make their mark in the First Division. Fans can expect a spirited performance as the team looks to kick off their season with a statement victory.
- Topics: ddc
