By Alex Thierry
Necaxa ended its Leagues Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over New York City FC on Thursday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
The MLS side entered the match needing a regulation victory to help its chances of finishing in the top four and advancing to the quarterfinals. The Liga MX side was already eliminated from contention but secured its first win of the 2026 edition.
NYCFC took the lead from a corner kick in the 36th minute when Keaton Parks headed home a service from Nicolas Fernández Mercau.
The second half belonged to Necaxa, which equalized in the 58th minute when Juan Valencia scored from the top of the box with a right-footed strike.
The Mexican side continued to apply pressure after the equalizer. Juan Camilo Torres eventually found space inside the box and put Necaxa ahead 2-1 in the 79th minute.
With the result, Necaxa earned its first victory of the 2026 edition of Leagues Cup before returning to Liga MX action.
REACTIONS
- Necaxa Head Coach Martín Varini
- “I think it was a very good performance from the team. We approached the game with the right mentality. We had to show our professionalism and respect for the badge we represent and for the fans who came to support us at the stadium.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Necaxa
- Juan Camilo Torres scored the game-winning goal, his first goal with Necaxa since joining the club in July.
GAME NOTES
- Keaton Parks scored his first Leagues Cup goal.
- New York City FC did not record a shot on target after Necaxa equalized.
- Necaxa’s first shot on target came in the second half.
- Necaxa earned its first win in this edition of the Leagues Cup.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- New York City FC: Andrés Perea (57’)
- Necaxa: Owen González (54’), Javier Ruiz (66’), Diego Ochoa (75’), Mauro Zaleta (82’)
LOOKING AHEAD
- New York City Fc goes back to MLS play on August 16th vs Philadelphia Union.
- Necaxa returns to Liga MX action on August 17th vs León.
