FC Juarez Lose Final Exhibition Match to Leon 2-0

Bravos de FC Juarez came up short on Wednesday night losing to Leon by a score of 2-0. Both goals for the visiting side came in the second half just as when both teams were coming into their own after a first half that frankly was worthy of being quickly forgotten.

The match at Southwest University Stadium got off to a sluggish start that saw Leon have a majority of the possession with few scoring opportunities being generated by both teams. Only in the final five minutes of the opening half did these two teams start to pick up the pace and show glimpses of the intense play that many in attendance were expecting.

The goals for Leon came early in the second half with the first coming in the 58th minute when Leon midfielder Leonel Lopez had a takeaway that turned into a fast break quickly down the left flank. Lopez did not hesitate to center the ball just before he got to the endline. German Cano got away from Eder Borreli for a diving header into the lower left corner of the goal. Bravos goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo had no chance at making a save.

7 minutes later Leon produced their first corner of the game and did not waste the opportunity as Luis Montes (a Juarez native) took the corner and found Diego Novaretti leaping above the FC Juarez defensive line putting the ball in lower right corner of the goal, leaving Saucedo frozen for the second time in the night.

As a result of the these two goals the action on the pitch opened itself up as the local side attempted to make things happen in order to pull of at least a tie, but to no avail.

The Bravos looked good and consistent for all 90 minutes but those final runs, moves and touches that result in the ball being put in the back of the net were what was missing from the the team from the Borderland. Their takeaways in the defensive midfield were aggressive and clean, their transition play was quick and swift. All very strong positives.

From an individual standpoint the standout of the night for FC Juarez was left midfielder Mauro Fernandez. He is quick, ran at a high level for all 90 minutes and is creative without hesitation. He will be someone to look out for the remaining of the season.

Up next for FC Juarez, will be 9 days of preparation prior to their season opening match at home against Mineros de Zacatecas at Benito Juarez Olympic Stadium.