Manchester City vs Club America result: Kevin De Bruyne nets two goals, but no debut for Erling Haaland

Defending Premier League champions Manchester City beat Mexican side Club America 2-1 in their opening preseason match in Houston, Texas, but this summer's star signing Erling Haaland did not see the field.

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Haaland was expected to make his much-anticipated debut at NRG Stadium, but he was kept on the bench, with the cameras showing him seated next to center back Ruben Dias, who was not part of the matchday squad.

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No official word from Man City as to the reason Haaland was kept out of the action.

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While the attention was on the new players, it was old reliable Kevin De Bruyne who accounted for both Man City goals.

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The team captain pushed up from his attacking midfield position to create his own shot on the first goal, and then he ran onto a ball from Riyad Mahrez and 'megged the 'keeper just before halftime.

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Three Man City players who did manage to make their debuts were former River Plate star Julian Alvarez, goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, and Kalvin Phillips, who started at center back before moving into his preferred central midfield spot.

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Alvarez was the center forward at the opening whistle, but didn't get any good looks as De Bruyne claimed the headlines with his trademark runs from midfield.

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Haaland's debut could come against his former Bundesliga nemesis Bayern Munich on Saturday, July 23 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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The former River Plate man did not score, assist or generate a boatload of goal-scoring opportunities for himself, but it was a solid debut nonetheless.

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He showed that he was up for the fight against an aggressive Club America side that wasn't backing down.

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Alvarez kept the center backs occupied, bringing his teammates into the attack and setting them up for shots and showcasing some elite passing.

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