Pompilio has been President since last November, but has been a part of the clubs resurgence from the mid-tables, playing a vital role as the Vice President under Macri for years.

Pompilio largest contributions to Boca as their President include the acquiring of the enigmatic playmaker, Juan Roman Riquelme, the addition of Coach Ischia and he was also involved in a project to expand upon the Bombanera’s capacity levels.

Away from Boca, Pompilio was an important piece of the Argentine puzzle since the early 80’s. The respect and adoration he has earned throughout the years is highlighted by his death; Boca will be dedicating two days of mourning in his name (suspending todays practice in the process), every game this weekend will commence with a minute of silence in his honor and AFA has taken it a step further, suspending administrative and institutional duties until later in the afternoon today.

The Offside sends its thoughts and prayers to the Pompilio family.

So as we await this coming Sundays game against Independiente (always a barn burner there folks), here is what is happening in the world of Boca:

+ Martin Palermo’s injury has opened up a trade deadline extension exemption for the team (say that five times fast) – meaning Boca is able to continue shopping the world for a suitable forward. The latest news comes from Manchester City. Equadorian striker Felipe Caicedo was offered to the X’s on loan – and Boca rejected the deal. Why? Well, there is a youth surge in town, and with Noir and Viatri chomping at the bit for more pitch time, it would only spell greater fortunes and transfer dollars in the future. Basically, there is no rush – Boca leads the Apertura table with a game in hand, and have had no issues scoring. Defense, on the other hand . . . .

+ By the way, in the present club world rankings, judged by the IFFHS, Boca comes in at a solid 4th, just behind Man U, Barcelona and Chelsea. River Plate? They are laying eggs at the 21st spot. Siempre nuestros hijos . . .

+ AC Milan VP Galiani has heaped praise onto Boca for equaling his clubs record of 18 international tournament victories. 18! Anyway, just felt like throwing this one out there – you can never have enough news about Boca’s dominance and respect worldwide!

+ Lucas Viatri is taking advantage of the loss of Palermo and his recent good form to begin contract negociations with the Xeneizes. A Boca Rep has stated that they have offered a solid 4,000 pesos monthly for his services. Dont freak out – Viatri has stated all intentions and desires to sign with Boca and has no current interest in leaving the legendary club for greener pastures overseas. I think he would be a steal at 4,000 a month, dont you?

+ And finally, I have to report on Carlitos Tevez, who for a second time this WCQ, has been issued a critical red card. An interesting article out of Peru gets indepth with the ex Boca striker, where he admits his guilt and repentance for his actions and expounds on the fact that playing along side such greats as Messi, Riquelme, and Aguero “proves difficult” because of the clash in playing styles. Read in spanish? Then read this!

So there is your round up! Comments? Questions? Hit me up . . .

Playing their youngins’, with a game in hand, Boca dominates Huracan en route to a 3 nil victory that launches the Bosteros right where they belong – first place. And talk about omens – Huracan should have called it a day when they realized the game would be played en El Estadio Diego Armando Maradona. Seriously.

A depleted Boca side relied heavily on its youth players, as Palacio, Riquelme and and Palermo were all out for this one. 6th minute, Lucas Viatri, Palermo’s heir apparant, found a bouncing pass land perfectly at his feet, and he flicked a toe curler towards the net, that bounced into the right area. 1 – 0 Boca.

Noir threatened in the 27th with an excellent header that nearly caught the crossbar. Noir took part in another near miss, as he left a pass in the middle of Huracans box that was headed in Viatri and Datolo’s direction. Viatri elected to play the ball from a tougher angle instead of dropping the pass to the positioned Datolo. That error cost the team a goal, as a rushed shot was sent far left.

Boca’s unexpected press continued for the rest of the 1st half. Huracan pressured Boca heavily to begin the second half, and were it not for Caranta standing on his head for the first 20 minutes of the 2nd, this game would have been of the tied variety. Chance after chance either missed or was turned away by the alert keeper. It took till nearly the 60th minute for Boca to manage a counter attack successfully!

But then came Gaitan, in for a largely quiet Gracian this game. And his impact was felt minutes in as he struck home a wonderfully serviced cross to the back of the net for the two goal advantage. As if that wasn’t enough, the spark plug found himself sprung on a breakaway, only to beat the Huracan keeper short side for the third, nail in the coffin goal.

Boca’s relatively slow defenders were able to make lots of ground by keeping their position sound, and of course, relying heavily on Caranta to hold them up. And the sudden unexpected offensive explosion certainly didnt hurt their efforts either.

Boca is #1, River sigue siendo un equipo sin identidad (I’ve always said it – without Ortega, River is DONE) and Los Xeneixes continue to dominate. Life is good!

JUGADOR DEL PARTIDO

Vamos pues – it has to be the 20 year old Gaitan and his two sealer goals! His infusion to the starting roster spelled immediate hope in a half that was going severly south.

“QUE ESTABAS PENSANDO!” MOMENTO DEL PARTIDO

I am having a problem finding one defining moment in the game, but a period of time did enter into my mind. The 45th minute to the 58th minute, Boca looked like a bunch of whipped school boys. Huracan came out so aggresively, I really was wondering “what is Boca thinking coming out so slow in a game that their youth players are finding a way to seal?” Had it not been for some vital 2nd half changes, this game would have been a very disappointing draw. Kudos to Ischia for taking a gamble or two that paid off.

“QUE BOLUDO!” JUGADOR DEL PARTIDO

Since there really wasn’t anyone in a BOCA jersey who looked bad (overall) in this encounter, I think we will just give this weeks “Que Boludo” title to River for letting Ortega go. As a matter of fact, I think they win the “Que Boludo” Award for the entire Apertura. Way to go Gallinas!

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With a 3 – 1 aggregate in their favor, and a rocking Bombanera to support them, Boca Juniors sought to do what they must to become Recopa Champions – an unprecedented fourth time. And for those who would think the team would play this one lightly, look no further than a Palacio strike in the 6th minute of the game to make you think otherwise. Sure, to that point, Arsenal were on the constant attack – but it just takes one moment of brilliance to quell those intentions.

In the absence of Martin Palermo (whom the team dedicated this Cup to), youngster Viatri filled in nicely, feeding a perfect cross to our rat-tailed forward. Viatri continued his threatening play with a tough shot that shook the post.

The 58th minute saw a mini defensive collapse, that forced Caranta far out of the net. Caught on his bad decision, Arsenal was able to whip it across the box to a wide open Sebastian Carrera for an easy strike to tie. A red card by accumulation sent Arsenals Christian Diaz to the showers. But shortly there after, Mauro Matos put Arsenal back on top in the 69th minute with a gorgeous header that beat Caranta short post, off of a beautiful corner cross.

Knowing they can’t possibly go out Champions by a loss, Boca revved up for one more shot at net. After some offensive pressure in extra time, Riquelme nets a classic set piece goal past Arsenals keeper Campestrini. The crowd goes crazy. The rest is history.

Boca has now achieved quite a modecum of respect with just one win. They have now pushed Argentina to 5 Recopa titles to Brazils 4, 18 International titles – tying Milans International record, and, of course, they have become the only South American team to obtain 4 Recopa titles.

JUGADOR DEL PARTIDO

Juan Roman Riquelme. As they say in FIFA 08, “He is the orchestrator of the midfield.” Riquelme was part of 95% of Boca’s best chances this game. And ever the showstopper, he nets the tying goal in extra time to put away Boca’s 18th international title.

“QUE ESTAS PENSANDO!” MOMENTO DEL PARTIDO

Caranta – que paso?! I know there was alot of confusion in the box, and the defense was enduring a couple of collapses, but why leave your line so far to your right, exposing the already exposed backline to any more threats? Bad decision making there. Thankfully, it didnt cost them anything.

“QUE BOLUDO!” JUGADOR DEL PARTIDO

El Boludo de este partido, sin duda, es Christian Diaz. If Arsenal was putting together any kind of unlikely run, Diaz squashed it. Sure, they managed a second goal, but what could Arsenal have done with an extra guy down the stretch? Imagine the commotion back in Argentina had Boca lost 3-1 instead of tying the game in the late minutes? Every Gallina reporter back home would be ripping them as paper champs. But thank you Diaz for making sure that speculation doesn’t become reality.

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Talk about extra incentive!

Whats different this time around? Well, a thinner line up, which will be relying on youngsters like Noir and/or Viatri to pick up the offensive slack (along with Palacio who looks like he wil be starting!) in the place of injured forward Martin Palermo. Thankfully, Riquelme is confirmed for the showdown, and will undoubtably give the youngins their fair share of through balls. Caranta and Datolo should also be seeing time. But judging from the recent defeat of Apertura Champions Lanus, the rest of the team would be able to withhold just fine against their Argie counterparts.

Arsenal would have to score three goals and hold Boca scoreless at the Bombanera to take the title. Yea, good luck.

This foregone conclusion will air on Fox Soccer Channel, Thursday at 7:30pm, on a tape delay. For those interested, I might do a running commentary of the match if I can find a live outlet (there is usually a bar or two in Queens New York playing live games).

Share your thoughts on the game – or just give us some good live streams instead!

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Martin Palermo, the long legged, larged bodied, clutch forward main stay of Boca Juniors fame, suffered the most bizarre MCL tear. This one is feared worse than a previous knee injury that cost Palermo his 1999 campaign.

He collided on a mid air jump ball with a Lanus defender, when it seemed they might have knocked heads. Palermo, who is well known in Bostero fame as a rather awkward looking player on the field, once again fell in an awkward way, as his leg touched the ground first and was bent sideways by the momentum of his falling body. Innocent looking at regular speed, but when you put on that super slow mo, its clear that this would be a serious one. This has left Boca looking for an able body to cover in the place of Palermo, at least till the 2009 Libertadores.

Boca has proven early this season to be able to deal well in the face of roster depletion and adversity. Just imagine that they managed to beat the defending Apertura champions in Lanus without Palacio, Riquelme, Palermo (for the most part), Mozon, Caranta or Datolo. But will they be able to last a grueling season without their large target man? Share your thoughts!

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