Cruz Azul doesn’t have one dwelling. It has a number of! One of many largest controversies surrounding the reigning Liga MX champion is its stadium sharing association with América and Atlante. Some see Cruz Azul as nomads; others see a crew that feels at dwelling wherever it performs. Carson was no exception.
La Máquina took over Dignity Well being Sports activities Park, a stadium the place it has lifted 4 trophies, together with the 2026 Campeón de Campeones in opposition to Toluca. Cruz Azul additionally received the 2020–21 Campeón de Campeones in opposition to León, the 2019 Supercopa MX and the 2022 Supercopa de la Liga MX on the identical venue.
Huiqui determined to provide each his strikers a break. “Toro” was omitted of the squad, whereas Ibáñez began on the bench. The coach put his religion in Juan José Calero, the son of the previous Pachuca goalkeeper. He nonetheless fielded a number of key gamers, together with Willer Ditta, José Paradela, Gonzalo Piovi and Chiquete.
Cruz Azul confronted an opponent decided to press aggressively because it performed out from the again, one in all Huiqui’s crew’s largest weaknesses in Liga MX.
However Cruz Azul utilized the identical strain, and that was the way it discovered a manner via. Paradela, whose performances have left lots to be desired in latest weeks, threaded a wonderful cross via to ship Luka Romero bearing down on Micovic, and the ahead completed beautifully for the opener.
The Galaxy tried to reply, however Huiqui maintained the excessive press. One other poor try to play out from the again was punished by Agustín Palavecino, whose shot caught Micovic out and left him rooted to the spot. It was a heavy blow for Greg Vanney’s facet.
The Galaxy’s greatest ally was neither Robert Taylor nor the group. It was the put up. Cruz Azul might have been additional forward at halftime, however the woodwork appeared to have struck a take care of Micovic to maintain the sport from changing into a rout.
Galaxy fights again
Cruz Azul appeared very comfy after the break and took its foot off the gasoline, permitting the Galaxy again into the sport. A flurry of substitutions started, however Vanney had an ace up his sleeve.
Joseph Paintsil got here off the bench. The African ahead turned a headache for Huiqui’s facet because the coach used the pleasant to vary his whole lineup, together with Gudiño.
The Ghanaian capitalized on a mistake to rating one-on-one in opposition to Ricardo Rodríguez, leaving Cruz Azul nervously ready for the ultimate whistle. The referee added no stoppage time, and La Máquina completed its US tour unbeaten, with a win and a draw.
Cruz Azul faces Pumas UNAM subsequent Sunday when Liga MX resumes, whereas the LA Galaxy returns to MLS motion in opposition to an in-form St. Louis Metropolis SC.
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