Cruz Azul is one of the Liga MX teams that actually managed to win its Leagues Cup opener, and Joel Huiqui made it clear that the Mexican side is taking this tournament seriously.
After beating Philadelphia Union 1-0, the defending Liga MX champions travel to the Big Apple to face New York City FC with a spot in the next round on the line.
For Huiqui, there is no pretending that the Leagues Cup is just another summer tournament. Cruz Azul wants another trophy in the cabinet, and judging by the lineup choices so far, the Cementeros are treating this competition like they actually want to win it. Revolutionary concept, apparently.
Kickoff: 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT @ Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
Broadcast on FS1 & Univision; Steaming on Apple TV +
Cruz Azul is taking the Leagues Cup Seriously
Huiqui said Cruz Azul considers the Leagues Cup an important competition and is therefore trying to put its best version on the field. The Cementeros have relied heavily on their regular starters and are looking for another trophy to add to a club that has enjoyed plenty of success in recent years.
“Today, the tournament is important to us and we’re trying to show the best version of ourselves. The team has been getting good results. We’re taking it one step at a time. This experience is key for everything we’ve set out to accomplish. It’s a challenge, and we have to take it step by step. We have to keep working as a team.”
And when it comes to facing New York City FC, Cruz Azul knows it will be dealing with a completely different challenge.
Huiqui acknowledged the quality of the MLS side and admitted that Cruz Azul still has things to clean up if it wants to come away with another victory.
“We’re happy, calm and thinking about what’s next. They’re going to be a great opponent and it represents a major commitment. We know we have to correct some things. Thank God the result went our way. It was a great turnout and we’re very happy about that.”
Meanwhile, Pascal Jansen’s NYCFC comes into the game after beating Santos Laguna 2-0. Beating one of the weaker Liga MX sides in the competition is nice and all, but Cruz Azul represents a much tougher test.
A win over the reigning Liga MX champions would immediately put New York City among the legitimate contenders for the Leagues Cup title. Lose, however, and the dream may run directly into a very blue-and-white wall.
Philadelphia Union vs. Necaxa
Kickoff: 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT @ Subaru Park, Chester PA
Steaming on Apple TV +
This is a matchup between two teams that already have their backs against the wall, because both managed to lose their opening games. Congratulations, everyone.
Necaxa, coached by Martín Varini, opened its Leagues Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Chicago Fire. Not exactly the start the Rayos had in mind.
Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, also failed to deliver at Subaru Park. Ryan Richter’s side fell 1-0 to Cruz Azul after José Paradela scored just three minutes into the match.
It was hardly the ideal beginning for a Philadelphia team that reached the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup last year. Since Bradley Carnell’s departure, however, things have not exactly gone according to plan.
The Union currently sit 13th in the MLS Eastern Conference, which is about as far from a position of comfort as you can get.
Now they return to Subaru Park with the advantage of playing at home, but that does not automatically make them favorites against Necaxa. Both teams desperately need a win, meaning this could turn into one of those games where the football is secondary to sheer survival.
For both Philadelphia and Necaxa, there is no room for another slip-up. Lose again, and the Leagues Cup vacation could be over before anyone has even had time to enjoy it.
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