Ramon Diaz will quit as San Lorenzo coach next month

San Lorenzo coach Ramon Diaz will quit the job when the Argentine season ends next month.

The announcement from the coach on Wednesday came amid local media reports the 1982 World Cup forward had fallen out with key players (Orion, A. Gonzalez, Romeo, Hirsig and Mendez), who are angry at the presence of his sons Michael and Emiliano in the squad.

Local media also reported there was an argument over bonus money on the eve of last week's Libertadores Cup quarter-final second leg clash against Ecuador's LDU, which added to the bad feeling between the coach and some players.

Despite the problems, San Lorenzo are third in the Argentine Clausura championship, three points behind leading pair Estudiantes and River Plate with three games each to play.

"They have given me all the chances and possibilities to work," Diaz, 48, told a news conference. "It's the right moment, we have a great team, a great institution and a great public.

"We are fighting for the title. Because of this, I will lead the team in the three matches which remain and then I'm off."

Days Numbered For Diaz?

San Lorenzo coach Ramon Diaz could be set to leave the club at the end of the Clausura following their exit from the Copa Libertadores at the hands of LDU Quito on Thursday.
El Ciclon were eliminated on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw with the Ecuadorians, but despite the disappointment of defeat, Diaz was quick to defend the effort put in by his players.

"I am proud of this team. We demonstrated a great togetherness and temperament… these players gave an enormous amount of effort; we cannot ask for more because they gave everything," he told reporters after the match.

"On the other hand, it is necessary to congratulate our opponents for going through."

The loss brings Diaz's future at the Nuevo Gasometro into doubt and club president Rafael Savino would go no further than confirm that the coach will be in charge for their weekend game.

"Ramon will be in charge against Colón. We only spoke of what happened in this game so that was never in doubt," he asserted.

With reports that the relationship between Diaz and some of his players has become strained in recent times, their likely lack of the Clausura crown and elimination from the Libertadores, Diaz could very well be on his way over the summer.

There is a clause in Diaz's contract that allows him to leave the club in June and having stayed on at the turn of the year primarily for a shot at the Libertadores, he may seek pastures new now that his team have been knocked out the competition.
(goal.com)

In the Third Position

San Lorenzo climbed up to third position, after coming from behind to defeat Colon de Santa Fe 2-1 in Buenos Aires. Ruben Ramirez put Colon ahead in the 8th minute. but midfielder Aureliano Torres, who missed in the penalty shootout against LDU on Thursday, scored twice to help beat Colon 2-1 and to stay in touch with the leaders.

Ruben Ramirez headed Colon in front in the eighth minute before Torres replied with a long-range drive six minutes before halftime.

The Paraguayan international put Thursday's trauma behind him when he stepped up to convert a penalty four minutes after halftime following a foul on Juan Menseguez.

San Lorenzo are three points behind Estudiantes and River.

Liga Universitaria Quito 1 (5) - San Lorenzo 1 (3)

LDU held off a typically stubborn San Lorenzo to advance to the semi-finals of the Libertadores Cup on Thursday, edging out their 10-man Argentine opponents in a penalty shootout after the second leg ended 1-1.
LDU became the first Ecuadorean side to reach the last four of the region's most prestigious club tournament since 1998 when they won 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
However, their passage to the semi-finals was made all the more difficult by a battling performance from their opponents.
Trailing 1-0 and reduced to 10 men after half an hour in Quito, San Lorenzo fought back to force a draw, but their gallant fightback ended in disappointment when Aureliano Torres's penalty in the shootout was saved by Jose Cevallos.
Midfielder Damian Manso put LDU ahead in the 27th minute with a dipping 30-metre shot which flew through the hands of San Lorenzo goalkeeper Agustin Orion.
Three minutes later, the visitors had Juan Manuel Torres red-carded for what appeared to be nothing more than a shoulder charge.
STUNNING FIGHTBACKS
Despite the setback, and the difficulties of playing at 2,800 metres above sea level, forward Gonzalo Bergessio equalised with a header from a corner three minutes after halftime.
San Lorenzo, in their centenary year, had been desperate to win the tournament for the first time and their campaign was marked by a series of stunning fightbacks.
In the group stage, they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Real Potosi at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level.
In the previous round, they also hit back from 2-0 down, this time with nine men, to draw 2-2 with River Plate and win 4-3 on aggregate. (Herald Tribune)

High Dignity

Today more than ever, we are proud of what our players have done. They showed they've the nerves, category and heart needed to wear our Glorious jersey. It was not possible this time, but we fought until the last penalty, against the 3000 metres of high and against a Mexican referee that showed a completely ridiculous red card to Torres in the middle of the first half. I want to propose a toast to our players, to Ramon and his helpers, and to the greatest supporters in the world. Just a BIG THANKS.

Ivan from Napoli, a new member of the Peña

His name is Ivan. He is from Napoli and he became a member of La Gloriosa at Warwick just when el Pocho Lavezzi started to wear the mitic Napoli jersey. We exchanged jerseys. Ivan sent us Napoli´s Lavezzi jersey to UK and we reciprocate by sending him the jersey he is wearing in the pictures.

He is very proud of wearing his new Glorious jersey. In his words: "ecco le foto con la mitica maglietta che mi hai gentilmente inviato, un regalo bellissimo ed unico! grazie ancora! un abbraccio forte ivan"

Just a draw against our everlasting sons

Ramon Diaz was sent off for throwing an object back into the crowd during his team's 0-0 draw at Huracan in the Argentine championship on Sunday.

The object narrowly missed Diaz when it was thrown at him by a supporter and he picked it up and threw it back.

"They threw things at me for the whole game," he told a news conference after the game. "It was a reaction, and I apologise."

San Lorenzo's players were also pelted with objects when they went to take corners.

A stormy match produced red cards for San Lorenzo's Andres D'Alessandro and Huracan's Hugo Barrientos for fighting in the 85th minute.

San Lorenzo, fourth in the Clausura championship, fell five points behind leaders Estudiantes with four matches each to play

Bauza Hails Important Result

The Ecuadorian side continued their increasingly impressive run of results in the competition with Thursday's draw in Argentina and Bauza was pleased with the way his team equipped themselves at both ends of the pitch.

"We maintained our usual game, created chances to win the match and didn't panic when San Lorenzo upped their tempo and mounted a siege on our goal in the second half," he told reporters after the match.

"It was logical that San Lorenzo would give everything to score in the final minutes. We prevented them from doing that from the beginning and actually looked like the home team ourselves early on."

The away goal scored by Claudio Bieler on Thursday puts Quito in the driving seat ahead of the return leg in Ecuador, but Bauza knows that the tie is far from won.

"For us it is an important result, but it is not definitive. We have the advantage going into the home game, but nothing is settled yet. We will have to be fully concentrated next week in Quito," he concluded.
(goal.com)

Ramon Diaz: We Deserved More

San Lorenzo coach Ramon Diaz felt his team should have taken the victory after they were held to a 1-1 draw by LDU Quito in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores quarter final.

The result puts San Lorenzo onto the back foot going into the second leg in Ecuador, but having already shown themselves capable of rising to the occasion in vital matches away from home, Diaz is confident that they can progress to the last four.

"We can do it in the return. We did it before against Real Potosí, and also against River and now we can do it for a third time," he told reporters after the match.

Quito dominated San Lorenzo was some skillful attacking play during much of the first half on Thursday, but Diaz felt that his team had their opponents under control and deserved more having bombarded the Quito goal during the second half.

"We deserved a little more. The one thing that I observed from this match is that we were too desperate at certain moments in the game. The performance of LDU did not surprise me and I believe that we controlled them well. We just needed a bit of luck to win the game at the end," he explained.

"It is clear that I wasn't happy with the players or the supporters in the first half. In the second we reacted with a good attitude and created chances to win the match."

San Lorenzo goalkeeper Agustin Orion practically gifted Quito their goal with a terrible error, but Diaz didn't want to hinge the blame for the draw on his keeper.

"He is a good goalkeeper and everyone commits errors at some point," he concluded.
(goal.com)

Liga de Quito Hold Desperate San Lorenzo

Liga de Quito defended for long periods of their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal against San Lorenzo, but were able to pick up a valuable 1-1 draw that puts them in the driving seat for the return leg next week in Quito, Ecuador. Meanwhile, Club America recorded a vital 2-0 victory over Santos in Mexico City.

Liga de Quito, who eliminated Estudiantes de La Plata in the previous round, pushed to the attack early on, and dominated their opponents, with skilful attacking football.

San Lorenzo looked nervous, and although they tried to inflict pressure on the Ecuadoreans they were not in good form.

In the 13th minute San Lorenzo almost went ahead, but a Gonzalo Bergessio effort came off the right post.

Moments later Claudio Bieler should have scored for Liga, but the Argentine shot awfully wide when he was sent through on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Andres D'Alessandro almost put the Argentines ahead in the 24th minute, but his powerful free kick was well saved by Liga goalkeeper Jose Francisco Cevallos.

Liga looked strong in the midfield, but were restricted to long distance efforts, that never troubled Agustin Orion.

In the 36th minute Orion tried to control a back pass with some juggling, but he lost control of the ball and Bieler lobbed the ball into the back of the net.

Three minutes later San Lorenzo captain Adrian Gonzalez drew the Argentines level when he curled in a brilliant free kick to the delight of the strong 40,000 crowd.

After the break San Lorenzo dominated their opponents, but didn't attack with any authority, while Liga looked to swift counterattacks.

Liga, who have participated in the Copa Libertadores thirteen times, almost went ahead in the 57th minute, but they had a goal bound effort cleared off the line by a San Lorenzo defender.

From then on San Lorenzo pushed forward in large numbers, but although they piled heavy pressure on their opponents they just couldn't break through a very well disciplined defense.

Minutes later Luis Bolanos sped down the left flank but his powerful effort hit the side netting. It was a further sign that the nine-time Ecuadorean champions were looking for a victory.

But Ramon Diaz's side responded with two good long distance efforts, the second being an outstanding drive from D'Alessandro that flashed inches wide of the right post.

Seconds later the usually reliable Andres Silvera was clear on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat, but he shot weakly.

Liga, who defended for practically the entire second half, held onto a vital 1-1 draw, that puts them in the driving seat for the return leg in Quito.
(goal.com)

Saints Turn Net Towards Romero

Unable to lure Fabricio Coloccini from Deportivo la Coruna, San Lorenzo boss Ramon Diaz is now courting Morelia defender Mauricio Romero.

The Copa Libertadores quarterfinalists are suffering from a backline shortage, and are desperate to pull the trigger on a deal.

"I am very happy as it not something I had even imagined would happen," Romreo told La Radio Red. "There was a chance to go to Lanus if they had qualified for this round, but never I thought about San Lorenzo."

"I am ready to play," he declared. "It is an opportunity that really attracts me."
(soccer365.com)

Diaz Looking For New Saints

With the Copa Liberdatores quarterfinal opener gainst Ecudaor's Quito looming, San Lorenzo boss Ramon Diaz is chasing some familiar names to Argentine fans.

The club have suffered some injuries and need reinforcements, which could come in the form of Deportivo defender Fabricio Coloccini and Rosario Central winger Kily Gonzalez.

The trouble with landing the former is San Lorenzo's preference for a loan deal, which does not sit well with the Galicians.

"It is almost impossible," Coloccini, who won a championship during a previous loan stint with El Ciclon, told TyC Sports. "I have three years of contract and I do not believe they will loan me out."

San Lorenzo Seeks Reinforcements

San Lorenzo are searching out possible additions to their squad as they look to maintain their challenge for domestic and Copa Libertadores glory.

El Ciclon are just three points off the top of the Argentine Clausura with five games remaining and face the first leg of their Copa Libertadores quarter final tie with L.D.U Quito on Thursday of this week.

Recent injuries and suspensions have begun to stretch Ramon Diaz's squad, with the latest injury to Sebastián Méndez prompting the club into an active search for a short-term replacement for the central defender.

Their primary target is Deportivo defender Fabricio Coloccini, who is a life-long supporter of San Lorenzo and tasted Argentine Clausura success with the club during his loan spell from Boca Juniors in 2001.

The club is keen to secure Coloccini's services on a temporary loan arrangement until the end of the Libertadores, but the defender doesn't believe that such a deal is likely to come off.

"It is almost impossible... I have three years of contract and I do not believe they will loan me out," he told TyC Sports.

Outside of defensive targets, San Lorenzo are also looking to add a little extra depth to their attacking options and have identified Rosario Central winger Kily Gonzalez as a financially viable option.

However, with Rosario currently fighting off relegation, it is unlikely that Kily will leave the team at which he started his career, with the player's agent Marcelo Lombilla confirming as much when he spoke to Radio la Red.

"Kily was happy to hear of San Lorenzo's interest... if Central were not battling against relegation then the situation would have been completely different," he affirmed.

(goal.com)

El Cabezon: "Padrino" de la Gloriosa en UK

Que haceeeee Cabezaaaaaaaaaaaa!!
Thanks for all you do for our beloved Colours!
This is the least recognition you can get.
Un abrazo de gooooooolll como siempre, donde quiera que estemos.

San Lorenzo Centenary celebration!

April 1, 2008

On April 2, 2008 it was San Lorenzo's 100 years birthday and many "cuervos" from all over the world flew to Boedo, Argentina, to celebrate it! We were one of them, of course, and we had a big time. We gathered for a barbecue in El Gasometro (San Lorenzo stadium) and we celebrate 100 years of passion and Glory!
We received a pennant from the "Subcomision de Penias" and from Savino, San Lorenzo's current President.

Anirban from India

Anirban is from India and after seeing the what San Lorenzo means, he didn't doubt it and he soon became a San Lorenzo supporter and a member of La Gloriosa of UK! Welcome Anirban to our world!

Amir from Malaysia

Amir used to listen the matches from the radio without fully understanding the spanish from the commentator, although he fully understand the passion for San Lorenzo! Amir is from Malaysia, but his heart is in Boedo!! Gracias Amigo, hasta la victoria, siempre!

Miguel from Portugal

Miguel is Porto supporter and now became a San Lorenzo supporter and a member of La Gloriosa de UK. Welcome Miguel to our world!

Nine-Man San Lorenzo Eliminate River In Thriller

San Lorenzo, who played with nine-men for much of the match, came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with River Plate, a result that sent them through to the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. While Santos also sealed their spot in the quarters with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cucuta Deportivo in Colombia.

San Lorenzo, who came into the match with a 2-1 advantage after the first leg result, started the better of the two teams, and tried to catch River by surprise.

But Diego Simeone's side came more into the match as the half progressed, and should have gone ahead when Sebastian Abreu found the back of the net from close range. But the Uruguayans legitimate effort was ruled out for offside.

Two minutes later River went in front when a Matias Abelairas free kick fooled both the San Lorenzo defense and Agustin Orion as it crept in.

From then on both sides created good opportunities, with Andres D'Alessandro being San Lorenzo's main danger man, while Abreu was River's liveliest player.

The intensity of the match continued right throughout the half, as both sides played some very attractive football that was greatly appreciated by the strong 65,000 crowd. Diego Rivero's dismissal didn't seem to affect San Lorenzo.

After the break both sides tested each other, but San Lorenzo's chances of winning the tie decreased when Dario Bottinelli elbowed a River player inside of the box and was ejected in the process.

Abreu stepped up to the spot and made no mistake, firing the ball into the centre of the net. It was the strikers seventh goal of the competition.

Minutes later San Lorenzo could have pulled a goal back, but missed out on an opportunity when Juan Pablo Carrizo spilled a free kick.

In the 70th minute San Lorenzo were rewarded for their efforts, when Gonzalo Bergessio blasted the ball past Carrizo after a brilliantly worked attacking move.

Three minutes later Bergessio put San Lorenzo level when he met a corner kick with a sensational diving header.

River now needed two goals to advance and pushed everyone forward. In the 81st minute Mauro Rosales hit the left post from close range after a goal mouth scramble. Minutes later he saw a header flash wide.

San Lorenzo held on and will meet Liga de Quito of Ecuador in the quarterfinals. The first leg of the tie will be played in Buenos Aires next week.
(goal.com)

Diaz Proud After Comeback Win

San Lorenzo coach Ramon Diaz was delighted by the efforts of his players as they scored two goals in the last twenty minutes to qualify for the quarter finals of the Copa Libertadores with a 4-3 aggregate win over River Plate.

El Ciclon played most of the second half with nine men following the dismissals of Diego Rivero and Dario Bottinelli and Diaz was immensely satisfied with the way his players fought back despite their two-man deficit.

"I am very happy because the team achieved something that I haven't seen anyone else do in the Libertadores so far, but we have still not won anything," he told reporters after the match.

Diaz led River to Copa Libertadores glory in 1996 as one of seven trophies he won while in charge of Los Millonairos, having also enjoyed two successful spells at the club as a player.

"I am always going to be thankful to the River fans, but this is a profession and they know how it is," he explained.

Gonzalo Bergessio's double strike sealed San Lorenzo's place in the next round, but Diaz didn't wish to single out any one player for particular praise, indicating that it had been a team effort that had seen them through.

"The only thing I requested of the players was to remain calm because the situation was not hopeless. I am very proud of this team and of the club in general," he affirmed.

"The main thing I will say is that we will continue fighting until the end, battling like we always do, because these boys never give in and today they demonstrated that." (Goal.com)

Copa Libertadores: Nine-man San Lorenzo overwhelms River

San Lorenzo came from two goals behind and two men down to pull off a stunning victory over its Argentine rival River Plate and reach the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores in Buenos Aires.

Brazil's Santos also progressed to the last eight on Thursday, eliminating Cucuta of Colombia, 2-0, to complete the quarterfinals lineup with three Brazilian clubs, two each from Argentina and Mexico and one from Ecuador.

San Lorenzo won the first leg against River, 2-1, but appeared to be down and out when it trailed 2-0 midway through the second half and had been reduced to nine men after two expulsions.

Winger Matias Abelairas put River ahead on the night and on the away-goals rule when he scored with a 12th-minute free kick.

San Lorenzo's hopes sank further when Diego Rivero was shown a red card just before halftime, and when Jonathan Botinellis was sent off for a foul. Sebastien Abreu converted the resultant penalty in the 61st minute.

But the striker Gonzalo Bergessio drove home a powerful left-foot shot in the 69th minute to level the aggregate score and four minutes later his glancing header from a corner made it 2-2, with San Lorenzo up 4-3 on aggregate. (international herald tribune)