LEAGUES CUP 2023
Liga MX teams suffer a terrible night in the Leagues Cup against MLS opposition
MLS teams overran their Mexican opponents in a truly catastrophic round of games for Liga MX.
Liga MX suffered a catastrophic night in the Round of 32 of the Leagues Cup, seeing all of their sides eliminated from the tournament that is now dominated by MLS sides. With hopes high of a positive set of results for the sides south of the border, surprises were in shock on an evening that highlighted the change in power between the two leagues.
Pachuca, Juárez and Mazatlán were all knocked out of the tournament, and the early positivity after the group stage - that saw the majority of Liga MX teams go through - quickly evaporated. The hopeful night turned into a nightmare.
Pachuca, a quick hello before the goodbye
Guillermo Almada’s possession-heavy Pachuca were one of the lucky teams to be given a direct pass into the second round, and spirits were high. However, no sooner had they stepped onto the grass at the Shell Energy Stadium were they sent home, Houston Dynamo the physical force of nature that knocked them flying. The game ended 0-0 and the MLS side were the victors after a penalty shootout: the Liga MX 2022 winners hadn’t even unpacked their suitcases in the team hotel.
Mazatlán’s dream is over
Mexican side Mazatlán had a positive first round, coming through the group stages comfortably. However, in the Round of 32, against FC Dallas, they lost 2-1 and with that their chance to progress in the Leagues Cup. A disappointing result and a missed chance to go up against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami (who beat Orlando City 3-1 in Florida), but the Liga MX side can take comfort in the fact that they finished top of their group in the first phase of the tournament.
Bravos outclassed and embarrassed by LAFC
In what is their largest ever defeat, Juárez were embarrassed 7-1 by a Dénis Bouanga and Carlos Vela-led LAFC at BMO Stadium. A 2-0 lead to the MLS side at half-time was not a poor result going into the break but 5 goals conceded in the final 45 minutes sent Juárez packing early.
The competition carries on and the Round of 32 will continue this week: Cruz Azul will play for their lives against Charlotte; Atlas will play New England; León take on Real Salt Lake and Pumas will go up against Querétaro.