Cruz Azul Cruise Past Toothless Galaxy to become second Leagues Cup Finalist.
The Los Angeles Galaxy came into Tuesday night as the lone Major League Soccer team left in the Leagues Cup. With much speculation whether or not LA’s stars would play, it was confirmed that they would not suit up against the Super Copa MX champions. In big part this was due to the fact that it would have been their fourth game in a 10-game span. In addition, the Galaxy is awaiting a visit to MLS best, LAFC, on Sunday. The Galacticos would have to depend in large part on their youth to earn their spot in the cup final.
LA Galaxy’s defensive woes would haunt them early on. In the 4th minute Cruz Azul managed to play the ball down the left sideline and put it into play into the 18 yard box. Galaxy would not successfully clear the danger leaving it for Cruz Azul’s Orbelín Pineda who played it back to José Madueña, who then took a took a shot with his weaker left foot, hitting the post and giving La Maquina Cementera the 1-0 lead.
Galaxy’s first opportunity would come in the 33rd minute. Galaxy was awarded a set play which Efrain Alvarez put it into play into the keepers box. Daniel Steres attempted to tap the ball in but Jesus Corona managed to keep the Galaxy scoreless.
Just a few minutes later in the 37th minute, from 25 yards out Emil Cuello got a rebound from Favio Alvarez’s efforts and blasted it towards Corona. Cruz Azul’s keeper mistimed the bounce as it went right over him to level things up for Los Angeles.
For the most part, Cruz Azul did what they were supposed to do. They dominated a depleted Galaxy team owning 60% of possession and completing 86 more passes than their counterparts at the half. Yet, Galaxy’s resiliency and incredible play by Favio Alvarez gave the home team the draw by the half.
Mexico City’s team would continue to dominate from the start of the second half. In just three minutes, in the 48th minute, Orbelín Pineda received a ball on top of the 18 yard box and took a beautiful shot on goal giving Los Cementeros the 2-1 lead. Los Angeles had an opportunity in the 90th minute to even up the score twice but were unable to convert anything.
With this result, Cruz Azul manages to survive and advance to the Leagues Cup Final in Las Vegas. Earlier that evening Tigres UANL eliminated Club America in penalties to advance and earn their spot in the Final.
