After a strong start by Atlas with two great goals scored by Mateo García (8') and Jordy Caicedo (11'), New England Revolution managed to turn the score around and entered the Leagues Cup 2023 round of 16.
The final result of the 90 minutes was 2-2 with a stellar performance by Gustavo Bou, who scored a brace to equalize the match. First in the 30the minute, taking advantage of a ball that was left at his feet in front of goal. Then in the 79th with a penalty shot.
Thursday evening’s Hudson River Derby saw the **New York Red Bulls** beat **New York City FC** 1-0 at Red Bull Arena. Chances were few and far between during the Round of 32 game, which would eventually be decided by a goal from a penalty..
The deadlock was broken at the half hour mark as Omir Fernández converted his spot-kick for the Bulls. Their cross-city rivals would dominate play with 62% possession during the match, but were ultimately unable to create any clear-cut chances to equalize.
The result means that the New York Red Bulls go through to the Round of 16, where they will take on Philadelphia Union, who came out on top against D.C. United after a penalty shoot-out.
Once again, it was demonstrated that in soccer, nothing is impossible for the underdog. On paper, Pumas were a far superior side to Club Querétaro and were the favorites to advance to the next round. However, it was a different story on the pitch.
The first 74 minutes of the match had a similar tone. There were chances for both sides, but the lack of accuracy and the audacity of the goalkeepers prevented any goals. It was then, in the 74th minute, when Ángel Sepúlveda found the ball after a free-kick and sent it to the top corner of the goal to score a fantastic goal, giving Gallos Blancos the advantage. Four minutes later, at the 78th minute, Eduardo 'El Toto' Salvio had the opportunity to equalize the match from the penalty spot, but Fernando Tapia, Querétaro's goalkeeper, stopped it.
That's how the match ended. Gallos Blancos continue to be one of the surprises of the tournament, whilst Pumas pack their bags to head back home.
Philadelphia Union beat DC United 5-4 in a penalty shootout after both clubs battled to a 0-0 draw in regulation. The Union now move on to the round of 16 in Leagues Cup 2023. The match couldn’t be described in any way but a showdown between two great goalkeepers. Andre Blake and Alex Bono kept the match a stalemate through most of the night. But in the end, the Union were just slightly more accurate in the penalty shootout.
Neither Charlotte FC nor Cruz Azul were able to find a breakthrough in regulation time in their Leagues Cup Round of 32 clash at Toyota Stadium on Thursday night. The parity in the game’s scoreline was also reflected in the two sides’ even share of possession.
Although it was Cruz Azul who were able to carve out the better opportunities, there was no way through, as was the case for their opponents. In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, it was Kristijan Kahlina who turned in a standout performance in the Charlotte FC goal, stopping three spot-kicks and qualifying his team for the Leagues Cup Round of 16.
Having won 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out, the MLS side will now take on Houston Dynamo FC in their next match, for a spot in the quarter-finals.
