As the Leagues Cup heats up, the Seattle Sounders FC are gearing up for a crucial match against Club Necaxa this Sunday. The Sounders, currently leading their group, will face off against the Mexican club at Lumen Field in Seattle, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. This match marks an important step in the tournament, which features teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, Mexico’s premier football league.
Club Necaxa, known as Los Rayos, was founded in 1923 in Mexico City but relocated to Aguascalientes in 2003. The club has gained attention not just for its on-field performance but also for its celebrity ownership, which includes model Kate Upton, MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, actress Eva Longoria, and former NBA star Shawn Marion. This combination of sports and entertainment has made Necaxa a notable name in both Mexican football and popular culture.
The upcoming match will be the second encounter between the two teams. They previously played to a 1-1 draw during a friendly at Lumen Field in 2017, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting rematch in a more competitive context.
In the current standings, the Sounders have a record of 1-0 after their recent victory over Minnesota United, where they secured a 2-0 win. Conversely, Necaxa is struggling at the bottom of the group after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Minnesota in their previous match. With two spots available for advancement to the knockout rounds, both teams will be eager to secure a positive result.
For the Sounders, the simplest path to advancement is a win. A draw would earn both teams a point, but the winner of a potential penalty shootout would gain an additional point. On the other hand, Necaxa faces a daunting challenge; they would need to defeat the Sounders by a margin of four goals to eliminate Seattle from contention.
Last year, the Sounders faced disappointment in the Leagues Cup, failing to progress past the group stage after being outscored 7-2 in two matches. This year, they are determined to turn their fortunes around and make a deeper run in the tournament.
Despite some setbacks, including injuries to key players like forward Raúl Ruidíaz and midfielder Josh Atencio, Sounders’ head coach Brian Schmetzer has a wealth of talent at his disposal. Midfielder Pedro de la Vega, who joined the team as a young designated player in January, is expected to start for the third consecutive match. De la Vega has faced challenges this season, including hamstring injuries that limited his playing time, but he is eager to contribute significantly as the tournament progresses.
With the stakes high and both teams looking to secure their positions in the knockout stage, fans can expect an intense and competitive match this Sunday. The Sounders will rely on a solid defensive strategy to counter Necaxa’s attacking threats, particularly as Los Rayos seek to break their scoring drought. Forward Diber Cambindo and Brayan Garnica will be crucial for Necaxa as they look to capitalize on any scoring opportunities.
As the match approaches, excitement is building among fans and players alike. The Sounders are focused on maintaining their momentum and advancing in the Leagues Cup, while Necaxa aims to turn their season around with a strong performance against a formidable opponent.
Fans can catch the action live on Apple TV or tune in to El Rey 1360 AM for Spanish commentary. As the Sounders prepare to take the pitch, all eyes will be on Lumen Field for what promises to be an unforgettable encounter between these two clubs.
