This marks the fourth defeat for Liga MX at the start of the Leagues Cup; Puebla and Mazatlán fell to Inter Miami and New England, respectively
The Liga MX has had a disappointing start in the 2024 edition of the Leagues Cup, suffering four defeats against MLS teams.
Guadalajara and Puebla did not achieve the expected results against San Jose and Inter Miami, respectively. Atlas is the only Liga MX club to have secured a victory in the Leagues Cup, defeating Houston Dynamo.
The Guadalajara team struggled against the Earthquakes, managing only a 1-1 draw before heading to penalties. Unfortunately, the Rebaño lost in the penalty shootout and missed out on an additional point.
Meanwhile, La Franja had a disappointing performance against Miami, who won 2-0 even in the absence of Lionel Messi. Additionally, Mazatlán also lost in their debut, succumbing to New England Revolution by a narrow margin.
On a positive note, Atlas secured a win against Houston Dynamo thanks to a goal from José Lozano.
Pumas and Xolos underperform
On Friday, the Pumas experienced a 2-3 defeat to Austin FC, who played most of the match with ten men after Osman Bukari was sent off in the 34th minute. Subsequently, Xolos faced LAFC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat, which saw technical director Juan Carlos Orosio expelled.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Austin took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with Ali Ávila scoring during first-half stoppage time. Sebastián Driussi extended the home team’s lead, while UNAM managed to come close with a goal from Guillermo Martínez, who ultimately became the villain of the match by missing a penalty in the 94th minute that could have equalized the game for the Pumas.
In Los Angeles, during the 11th minute, while LAFC was ahead 1-0 after Cristian Olivera’s opening goal, Osorio protested a foul on Christian Rivera by Eddie Segura, who later had to leave the match.
Osorio left the technical area to address the fourth referee and then confronted assistant David Morán, leading to a red card for Salvadoran referee Iván Barton.
Liga MX Struggles in 2024 Leagues Cup: Analysis and Insights
The Liga MX has opened the 2024 edition of the Leagues Cup on a disappointing note, suffering four defeats against MLS teams. The matches have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike as they question the competitiveness of Liga MX in this cross-league tournament. In particular, teams like Guadalajara and Puebla fell short in their respective matches against San Jose and Inter Miami.
Match Summaries: Disappointing Outcomes for Liga MX
- Guadalajara vs. San Jose Earthquakes:
- Final Score: 1-1 (5-4 on penalties to San Jose)
- Guadalajara struggled to secure victory despite a late push.
- Puebla vs. Inter Miami:
- Final Score: 0-2
- Puebla couldn’t capitalize on opportunities, even without Lionel Messi on the pitch for Miami.
- Mazatlán vs. New England Revolution:
- Final Score: 0-1
- Mazatlán’s performance left much to be desired as they faltered in their debut.
- Atlas vs. Houston Dynamo:
- Final Score: 1-0
- Atlas was the sole bright spot for Liga MX, achieving victory through a goal from José Lozano.
In-Depth Analysis of Key Matches
Guadalajara’s Penalty Heartbreak
In a match marked by missed chances, Guadalajara battled hard against the San Jose Earthquakes. They managed a late equalizer but fell short in the penalty shootout, leaving fans disheartened. The team’s inability to close out the game emphasizes the need for improvements in high-pressure situations.
Puebla’s Lackluster Performance
Puebla faced a formidable challenge against Inter Miami, who dominated the match despite Messi’s absence. The 2-0 loss raised questions about Puebla’s tactical approach and execution against MLS teams.
Mazatlán’s Struggles Continue
Mazatlán also faced disappointment in their match against New England Revolution, contributing to Liga MX’s poor showing in its opening matches of the tournament.
Pumas and Xolos: Further Defeats Highlight Challenges
- Pumas vs. Austin FC:
Final Score: 2-3. Despite facing a ten-man opponent for most of the game, Pumas fell short, raising questions on their defensive strategies.
- Xolos vs. LAFC:
Final Score: 0-3. Xolos suffered a heavy defeat, and their coach Juan Carlos Orosio received a red card, further complicating the situation for the team.
Performance Review: Key Takeaways from Liga MX Teams
| Team | Opponent | Result | Key Player Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalajara | San Jose | 1-1 (4-5 Penalties) | Lack of finishing power in crucial moments. |
| Puebla | Inter Miami | 0-2 | Inconsistent attacking play. |
| Mazatlán | New England | 0-1 | Weak midfield control. |
| Atlas | Houston | 1-0 | Strong defensive performance. |
| Pumas | Austin FC | 2-3 | Poor defensive organization. |
| Xolos | LAFC | 0-3 | Managerial issues with a red card. |
Fans’ Reactions: The Impact of Early Losses
The early defeats in the Leagues Cup have sparked a wave of reactions from fans and sports pundits. Many are expressing frustration regarding the performance of their favorite Liga MX teams, particularly due to the competitive nature of the tournament. As Liga MX teams continue to face challenges, supporters are calling for tactical adjustments and a more sturdy approach towards future matches.
Looking Ahead: What Liga MX Teams Need to Improve
- Defensive Cohesion: Many teams struggled with defensive organization, leading to unnecessary goals conceded.
- Midfield Control: Teams must work on maintaining possession and controlling the pace of the game.
- Striking Efficiency: Converting chances into goals will be crucial for future success in the tournament.
Conclusion
As the tournament progresses, fans await a turnaround in fortunes for Liga MX. The focus will be on how teams adapt and evolve in response to their early setbacks. With more matches to come, the potential for improvement remains high, and supporters are eager to see their teams rise to the occasion.