SOCCER: CRUZ AZUL GRABS LEAD IN GROUP A.

Byline: Staff and Wire Services

Cruz Azul won its fourth in a row to grab the Group A lead, Pachuca strengthened its hold on Group B by beating overall leader Toluca, Guadalajara took a big step toward a playoff berth, and Santos claimed its first victory of the Torneo Apertura on a wild Saturday in Mexico's Primera Division.

Richard Nunez's shot in the final moments of the first half carried Cruz Azul (8-5-2) to a 1-0 victory over slumping Jaguares (6-5-4), which has fallen from No. 2 in the overall standings two weeks ago to fourth in Group A.

Only the top two teams in each group are assured a playoff spot, and Guadalajara (6-4-5) climbed to second in Group A as Alberto Medina tallied twice in a 3-1 romp over Atlas (6-4-5).

Pachuca (7-5-4) extended its win streak to seven games, beating Toluca 3-1. Monterrey (6-4-5) routed Veracruz 3-0, Gaston Fernandez tallying twice, to climb to second in Group B, and San Luis (6-5-4) fell to third after Mauro Gerk scored two late goals to lift Queretaro to a 2-2 draw.

Elsewhere: Wayne Rooney broke out of the worst slump of his career, ending a 10-game scoring drought -- dating to Aug. 20 -- with three goals as English Premier League leader Manchester United hammered host Bolton 4-0. ... Inter Milan built a three-goal lead, then held on for a 4-3 Italian Serie A triumph over archrival AC Milan.