Cruz Azul’s Orozco Regains Scoring Touch

Javier Orozco seemed to have broken through for good last fall. Filling the nets for Cruz Azul in CONCACAF Champions League play, Orozco earned himself a call-up to the Mexican national team and was ready to feature prominently for la Maquina.

However, his contributions to Cruz Azul in the Clausura 2011 season have been limited as he has no goals in the four games he’s played.

But Orozco found some spark and confidence in the place most rewarding to him. Orozco scored the game-winning goal in Cruz Azul’s 2-0 victory over Santos in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series.

“I’m very happy to have scored a goal,” Orozco told reporters. “Honestly I’ve had many good games here and I got the chance to start and scored another goal in this tournament.”

Orozco’s struggles have led to a spot on the bench. He played 12 minutes against Jaguares on Feb. 5 and 13 minutes against Tigres on Feb. 12, but has not played a minute in league play since then. But manager Enrique Meza turned to him ahead of the Champions League clash.

“I’ve tried to do the things that have been asked of me well, and maybe I blocked myself and that’s why things aren’t going well,” he said. “Thank God that I had another opportunity to play and score and that the team won. All that gives me confidence to keep fighting.”

The goal gives Orozco 11 in the 2010-2011 edition of the tournament, most among any player.

“Scoring 11 goals is something beautiful and emotional,” Orozco said. “This is something great for me. I can once again find confidence and keep working hard. You can never lower your shoulders.”