Two struggling clubs entered Allianz Field on Saturday night hoping to start the Leagues Cup in good form and turnaround their season. On the back of two first half goals FC Juárez was able to do just that and start the Leagues Cup off in good fashion with a 2–1 win.
With just two days of rest coming into the match Cameron Knowles made four changes to the MNUFC starting eleven from draw with San Diego. Drake Callender, Michael Boxall, Wil Trapp, and Joaquín Pereyra were all available from the bench. In their stead came Alec Smir, Devin Padelford, Kelvin Yeboah, and Carlos Harvey. For Juárez interim manager Salvador Valero made just three changes from Los Bravos 5-1 loss to Pumas.
Northland Soccer Journal
From the jump Juárez came out with fire and gusto trying to prove they were better than their record. Almost immediately it paid off, but nearly in the form of an own goal that Alec Smir had to jump in and save early on.
Controlling play from early on led Juárez into scoring the first goal of the night. Guilherme Castilho was able to get a run behind the Loons back line and put the floated ball in on a header to put the visitors up.
Guilherme Castilho opening goal for FC Juárez against MNUFC in Leagues Cup play
Less than ten minutes later the Loons got on the board and for the second match in a row it was Tomás Chancalay. Chancalay took his shot from the far side of the box and sent it into the low nearside corner to level the match.
Tomás Chancalay goal for MNUFC against FC Juárez in Leagues Cup play
But the Loons lead did not last for long as in under five minutes FC Juárez scored another goal to take back the lead. Denzell García slipped a through ball to Jairo Torres as Torres broke through the Loons back line on a run allowing him an easy finish to put FCJ back up.
Jairo Torres goal for FC Juárez against MNUFC in Leagues Cup play
Coming out of the halftime break the match looked much the same as the first half with the biggest difference being that MNUFC was controlling possession. Even with that it was Juárez who was controlling the pace of play and inside the first fifteen minutes of the half Los Bravos nearly made it 3–1. But fortunately for the Loons and their supporters Óscar Estupiñán shots missed wide leaving the match 2–1.
Right as the match passed the hour mark manager Cameron Knowles made a trio of subs to try and change the match for the better. Mauricio González, Wil Trapp, and Joaquín Pereyra came on to replace Kelvin Yeboah, Kyle Duncan, and Owen Gene. Those subs did make an impact with the Loons starting to show signs of life and threat. Many of those opportunities came from set pieces, but unlike the previous two seasons the Loons were unable to convert.
As the match wore on Minnesota started looking better and better even to the point where they were arguably the better side on the pitch. With under ten minutes left before stoppage the Loons nearly got a second goal from Marcus Caldeira. The 21 year old Canadian got a wonderful run into the six and Anthony Markanich sent in a great pass from the edge of the six to Caldeira in the middle but Caldeira was unable to get his foot on the ball to put an easy shot into goal.
Minnesota's loss to FC Juárez sends the Loons to an eight match winless skid across all competitions. Next up for MNUFC is Mexican powerhouse Tigres UANL where Minnesota United will be the 'away' side at Allianz Field in the Leagues Cup match. Kickoff is set for 8pm on Friday night in St. Paul.
