By Franco Domínguez
Under new interim manager Salvador Valero, FC Juárez looked like a different team under the lights at Allianz Field, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of Matchday 1 with a 2-1 victory over heavily favored Minnesota United FC.
Juárez came out aggressively, pressing high from the opening whistle and creating an early scoring opportunity from a corner kick. A dangerous delivery into the box nearly caught goalkeeper Alec Smir off guard, offering an early glimpse of the visitors' attacking intent.
The match settled into a more even rhythm over the next 20 minutes before Juárez broke the deadlock. Guilherme Castilho rose above the defense to head home a pinpoint cross from José Luis Rodríguez, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Minnesota responded quickly, pushing its lines higher and increasing the pressure in search of an equalizer. Juárez goalkeeper Sebastián Jurado answered the challenge with the first of his three saves on the night, diving to deny Anthony Markanich with a low effort destined for the corner.
The breakthrough for the Loons arrived just minutes later. Tomás Chancalay capitalized on a defensive mistake, won possession near the top of the box, and fired a left-footed strike inside the far post to level the score.
Juárez, however, wasted little time restoring its advantage. Jairo Torres threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the Minnesota back line to find Óscar Estupiñán, who calmly slotted his finish into the right side of the net to make it 2-1.
Minnesota pushed forward throughout the second half in search of another equalizer, but Juárez defended with discipline and composure to protect its lead. After conceding eight goals across its first three Liga MX matches, the Bravos delivered a much-improved defensive performance to secure three valuable points and a statement victory to open their Leagues Cup campaign.
REACTIONS:
- Minnesota Head Coach Cameron Knowles
- “Extremely disappointing, it's not the way we wanted to start the tournament. It just hasn't been good enough the results at home and tonight was another one."
- Juárez Head Coach Salvador Valero
- “The players committed very well to the game plan… This win is super important to boost their morale and confidence.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH:
- Juárez
- Óscar Estupiñán scored the decisive goal. The forward repeatedly attacked the space behind the defense and provided Juárez with a direct outlet during the periods of pressure from the home side.
GAME NOTES:
- This was the first official meeting between Minnesota United and FC Juárez.
- Juárez improved their all-time Leagues Cup record to 6-4, including this match.
- Tomás Chancalay scored for the second consecutive game in all competitions.
- Minnesota’s loss extended their winless streak to six matches.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT:
- Yellow Cards:
- Minnesota: Anthony Markanich y Devin Padelford
- Juárez: Jesús Murillo y Ettson Ayón
LOOKING AHEAD
- Minnesota next game: Aug. 7 vs. Tigres
- Juárez next game: Aug. 7 vs. Vancouver
