Cruz Azul Win First Trophy of the Season after Dominant 4-0 Rout of Necaxa
This year’s edition of the SuperCopa MX, played once again at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, featured Cruz Azul and Necaxa. Despite the blistering Southern California heat, both teams came out guns a blazing in hopes to start the season off on the right foot. La Maquina came out in full force with their season starters, while los Rayos were missing the majority of their new signings due to complications with their respective work permits.
Despite this, Necaxa started off hot, managing the game in their favor the first 15 minutes. Afterwards however, it was downhill for the hydrocalidos. Cruz Azul eventually would take control of the game and took advantage of what Necaxa couldn’t do. At the 20th minute, Milton Caraglio would head the ball into the back of the net after receiving a center from Yoshimar Yotún, the Peru international who was coming off Copa America action. Los Cementeros dominated the rest of the first half, and amplified the score just before the half at the 43rd minute. Taking advantage of a massive Necaxa error, the Cruz Azulinos were able to catch them off guard and with goalie Hugo Gonzalez taken out of the play, Elias Hernandez was easily able to score for the 2-0.
For the second half, Cruz Azul continued their domination. Barely two minutes in, they would extend their goal total after a center by Adrian Aldrete found midfielder Edgar Mendez for the 3-0. Necaxa was unable to plug themselves back in the game, leaving a poor showing for their fans in attendance and those watching at home. To make matters worse, Cruz Azul would score at the 87th minute, thanks to a center by Jonathan Rodriguez that would be pushed in by newcomer, Juan Escobar. This final goal would seal a dominant outing by La Maquina.
With this win, Cruz Azul claim their first trophy of the season, the Super Copa MX. Now they’ll forward to the start of the season in hopes of capturing even further success. They’ll kick off the season next week, visiting non-other than the team they just defeated, Necaxa, in Aguascalientes. Cruz Azul will look forward to continuing their good form, and los Rayos will be looking to avenge their loss.
