FC Juarez Loses 3-2 To Cruz Azul, Drops 2 In A Row

FC Juarez ended what was an extremely difficult week with a 3-2 defeat to Cruz Azul Saturday evening at Estadio Azteca. This loss capped off a tough week for the Bravos that saw them only be able to obtain 1 out of 9 disputed points against 3 of the 4 biggest teams in Mexican soccer, Pumas, Chivas and Cruz Azul.

Bravos took an extremely early lead in Mexico City scoring in the first 57 seconds of the match when Dario Lezcano came across a rebound from a blocked shot by the Cruz Azul goalkeeper. Lezcano did not hesitate to take a left footed strike to get the ball in the back of the net.

The home team would settle in quickly and start to execute their style of play, leading to increased ball possession and chances on goal. Cruz Azul would tie the match in the in the 33rd minute when Yoshimar Yotun scored when he pushed in a ball on and empty net off of a crossing passing across the Bravos goalbox.

Only 3 minutes would pass in the second half when Cruz Azul would take a 2-1 lead. Jonathan Rodriguez would take a right footed strike from just outside the Bravos goalbox. The home side would make it a 3-1 lead in the 62 minute when Rodriguez would once again score off of a fast break that originated from a botch drawn up direct kick play for the Bravos on the opposite side of the field of play.

The Bravos made things very interesting in the home stretch of the match as they scored off of a direct kick in the 87 minute. Victor Velazquez headed the ball past goalkeeper Jesus Corona.

FC Juarez would apply the pressure severely to attempt to get the draw in the closing minutes, including stoppage time, but to no avail. The Bravos would get their second loss in a row, second loss of the season.

After the match Bravos head coach, Gabriel Caballero commented on his team’s performance. He said, "I feel there was a certain degree of improvement tonight compared to the Chivas match (from Wednesday), I also feel that improvement was in periodic. We started well, then fell off. In the second half we started once again well, then came the mistakes and some bad decisions which lead to the 3-1 deficit. But the team reacted made it 3-2 and the team ended their performance by being intense and attacking. Of course we will look to improve because there is some things that we have to correct."

The Bravos will have 5 days to prepare for their next match, a home match against Leon. Leon is currently in 9th place in the standings with 7 points, but has yet the play their week 5 match which they will play on Monday. These means the Bravos will have two extra days of rest and preparation than will Leon.