USMNT star Cade Cowell impresses on Liga MX debut for Chivas against Tigres

One of the most surprising transfer moves ahead of the Liga MX Clausura 2024 tournament was Chivas’ signing of USMNT attacker Cade Cowell. The former San Jose Earthquakes youngster opted to cross the border for a change of scenery and made his debut for his new club in the defeat to Tigres on Sunday.

Cowell’s positive impact as second-half substitute

The 20-year-old initially had to settle for a place on the bench, coming on just after the hour-mark for José Juan Macías. But it didn’t take long for Cowell to show flashes of his quality. With Guadalajara a goal down and chasing the game, he very nearly half-volleyed in a debut goal and also came close to getting on the end of a cross just a few yards out.

The forward was also able to show his pace, one of his main attributes, and almost created a goal for his team after taking on and beating his marker.

Chicharito Hernández close to Chivas return

The potential signing of Javier “Chicharito” Hernández would mean extra competition for places in attack and Cowell knows he will have to take any opportunity to impress recently appointed head coach Fernando Gago to ensure he starts alongside the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy striker, should be ultimately re-join the club.

Gago praise for Cowell

“Cade Cowell was ready to play, he did well when he came on and that’s the important thing. It’s the kind of soccer I like, that’s why I’m here. I like the intensity but unfortunately we lost today, which I’m sad about,” said Gago post-match.

Cowell played for 27 minutes, during which time he took two shots and took 16 touches of the ball, according to SofaScore, who gave the USMNT star a rating of 6.3.

Chivas’ next game is on Friday 26 January, when they will take on Tijuana, who are coached by former Mexico manager Miguel Herrera and have started the tournament with a defeat and draw, like Guadalajara.

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