America defeats Leon 3-2 in Mexican league

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Defending Mexican league champion America defeated Leon 3-2 in its opening game of the second half of the Mexican season this weekend.

Monterrey was upset by Leones Negros 1-0, while Chiapas beat Chivas 2-1, putting the historic Guadalajara team in further danger of relegation.

In other matches from round one of the league this weekend, Veracruz beat Santos Laguna 2-1, Morelia drew 0-0 with Toluca, Puebla won 2-1 against Tijuana, Atlas overcame Tigres 1-0, Pachuca lost 1-0 to Cruz Azul, and Queretaro drew 1-1 with Pumas.

Like most Latin American countries, Mexico divides its season into two parts, crowning champions for the first and second halves of the season. This is the league stage of the so-called Clausura (Closing title).

America's Oribe Peralta netted twice in the first eight minutes against Leon on Saturday. Moises Velasco's own goal and Mauro Boselli's header brought Leon level before half time, but Carlos Quintero's volley off the post in the 66th secured the win for America.

Fidel Martinez headed in a cross from Luis Telles to put Leones Negros ahead in the 68th minute against Monterrey on Sunday.

Carlos Salcedo netted an own goal that put Chiapas in front in the 59th. Omar Bravo equalized in the 73rd, but Aviles Hurtado headed the winner three minutes before full time.

Edy Brambila's diving header in the 80th was the difference for Atlas against Tigres.