Enner Valencia
ECUEcuador
Right
Nov 4, 1989
36
5'10"
163 lb
CF
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EcuadorAttempts one shot against Pumas
Valencia generated one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Pumas.
Analysis: Valencia made a quick comeback from an ankle blow but was held off the score sheet for a second successive start during the playoff defeat. After serving as a substitute for most of the regular season, he finished ahead of Salomon Rondon in the striker contention, and his final numbers in the Liga MX tournament were four goals along with 24 shots (10 on goal) and four chances created across 619 minutes of play. At 36 years old, Valencia looks set to feature at another World Cup as Ecuador's first-choice forward.
Starts Sunday
Valencia (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's return leg against Pumas.
Analysis: Valencia managed to retain the center-forward spot despite leaving the previous game against the UNAM side with an apparently sprained ankle. The striker has featured in a major role throughout the Clausura playoffs, scoring two goals across three matches. His presence from kickoff once again limits Salomon Rondon to substitute duty.
Forced off versus Pumas
Valencia suffered an apparent injury that led to his exit in the 80th minute of Thursday's game against Pumas.
Analysis: Valencia was held off the score sheet this time after producing three goals over his previous four outings, but he ultimately left the field due to a physical issue. He has been chosen to lead the front line despite Salomon Rondon's availability in recent contests. While the severity of the Ecuadorian's blow is unclear, he could be excluded from the decisive rounds if he's not fully fit, in which case Rondon will likely feature as a lone striker.
Converts penalty in victory
Valencia scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-0 win over Toluca.
Analysis: Valencia found the back of the net easily via a 10th-minute spot kick as his team booked its place in the Clausura semifinals. The striker scored for the third time in his last four league appearances while extending a streak of three games with multiple shots. He stayed in the initial lineup even with Salomon Rondon back from suspension, but both forwards are expected to remain in contention for a spot in the next matchups.
Scores lone goal in win
Valencia scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 win against Toluca.
Analysis: Valencia got the start since Salomon Rondon (suspension) was out, and the Ecuadorian striker responded by scoring a beautiful goal just eight minutes into the first half. As good as he was in this first leg, however, expect Valencia to return to his regular bench role for the second leg Sunday.
Suspension served
Valencia is back in contention after being suspended in the Clausura regular-season finale against Pumas.
Analysis: Valencia has been used as a substitute this season but is expected to start in the first quarterfinals leg against Toluca, given that the first option Salomon Rondon will be banned for that match. Despite his limited involvement, Valencia scored two goals across 298 minutes of play before his suspension.
Scores off bench in win
Valencia scored a goal off his lone shot after coming off the bench during Saturday's 3-1 win over Monterrey.
Analysis: Valencia was took the pitch at the 76th minute, replacing Salomon Rondon, and made most of the few touches he had, which including being at the right place to benefiting from Christian Rivera's quickly taken free kick that left him completely unmarked in front of the goalkeeper to seal Pachuca's 3-1 win. That's now six goals over 17 league appearances for the veteran forward, who's looking completely fit after recovering from the injury that left him sidelined for three months between the end of Apertura and start of Clausura.
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