Fifteen months ago, CD Everton (Chile) played at Goodison Park in a game watched by 26,000. There was an unfortunate postscript some months later when, after an awful slump in form, they were relegated from Primera A.
But now the Ruleteros are on the brink of returning to the Chilean top flight. Last weekend, they secured a draw away at Temuco that clinched the blues and yellows the Clausura Championship 2011.
The Chilean Primera B (2nd Division in old money) is a complex affair with promotion never quite guaranteed till the death but at the same time never impossible. There are two titles in the season ? Apertura (Opening) and Clausura (Closing) ? each consisting of 19 matches. The team with most points in the combined tournaments is automatically promoted ? Antofagasta. The winners (or runners-up, Rangers, in the case of the Apertura) of the Apertura and Clausura play each other home and away for the second promotion spot.
Everton had a shocking Apertura campaign but they were in excellent form for the Clausura.
Crowds at Everton's Sausalito stadium have been impressive all year with the fourth highest average recorded in either Primera A or Primera B.
To gain promotion they now have to win a two-legged final against Rangers of Talca. Everton travel to Talca for the first leg on Thursday that kicks off at 11pm UK time. The second leg on Sunday kicks off at 3pm UK time. There are links to watch the games on the Ruleteros Society's Facebook and Twitter pages.
If they fail to overcome Rangers, they have another chance of promotion, entering a play-off league against two teams from Primera A and one club from Primera B.
On another note, John Shearon, secretary of the Ruleteros Society, recently travelled to Chile for the unveiling of a plaque on November 11 at the Sausalito stadium honouring the former players of the two Evertons who died in service for Britain in the two world wars. You can read about his journey on the society's website. www.theruleteros.com
Later that day, at the home game against Antofagasta, John met up with the supporters group Los del Cerro (The Boys from the Hill) who were present at Goodison with their drums. Along with other supporter groups, they travel by bus up to 1,300 miles for away games in the Chilean league.
At half-time Los del Cerro presented John with a framed poster of the two club crests and the slogan ?Unidos Por El Mismo Sentimiento? ? ?Joined by the Same Feeling?. This was in appreciation for the reception they received in Liverpool last year from everyone connected with our club, especially the supporters.
See how the promotion bid unfolds by visiting www.theruleteros.com and follow the society on its facebook and twitter pages.
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
» Log in now
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
About these ads
Get rid of these ads and support ToffeeWeb
Bet on Everton and get a deposit bonus with bet365 at TheFreeBetGuide.com
View full table
We use cookies to enhance your experience on ToffeeWeb and to enable certain features. By using the website you are consenting to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.