Having racked up the most points across the LIGA MX Apertura 2022 and Clausura 2023 campaigns, Club Pachuca were awarded a bye to the knockout rounds for this summer’s Leagues Cup - as was the case with MLS Cup 2022 champions Los Angeles FC.
As they prepare to kick off their Leagues Cup 2023 campaign on Wednesday evening against Houston Dynamo FC, the Tuzos will be looking forward to crossing paths with a familiar face: Héctor Herrera.
The former Mexican international has returned to North America after nearly a decade of playing in Europe, where he notably won league titles with both Porto and Atlético Madrid.
Before making the move across the pond in 2013, the midfielder had come through the youth ranks at Club Pachuca, and turned out for the senior team for two seasons.
He joined the Texas-based side midway through last season, and this summer helped the team advance to the Leagues Cup knockout stages as runners-up in the South 2 pool. The Orange Crush have drawn both of their games so far, losing one on penalties to Orlando City SC before coming out on top in the shoot-out against Santos Laguna.
Although he made his name on the European stage, Herrera is adamant that the lessons he learned at Pachuca were crucial in shaping him both on and off the pitch:
“Beyond just shaping me as a player, Pachuca’s academy formed us as humans. They teach you respect and humility, values that are fundamental to who I am. Thanks to them, I am able to be myself today.”
Club Pachuca have gone through a rough spell of form since their 2022 Apertura title, and are winless so far in the 2023 Apertura. If the likes of Javier Eduardo López and Érick Sánchez are firing on all cylinders, though, going through to the Round of 16 won’t be an easy task for Houston Dynamo. Herrera will need to put history to one side for ninety minutes on what will undoubtedly be an emotional night for him, as he looks to lead his current team to a first title on the continental stage.
“I’m very excited to face them, but also to win. Even if the club president [Armando Martinez Patiño] kills me later, it’s fine! I’ll call to apologize afterwards, but this game is something I'm very excited about in this tournament - to be able to finally have the chance to face Pachuca.”
