Power Rankings: Pumas reach Liga MX summit

Nos 14-18: Making playoffs becoming a challenge

14. Necaxa (–2)

2-2-4, 8 points, 5 GF, 12 GA

The Rayos are a mess in the final third but figuring out who can lead the attack (transfer Lucas Passerini has not lived up to his billing) is a problem for Alfonso Sosa’s successor. Necaxa fired “Poncho” after a second consecutive crap outing (outscored 0-5) and “Profe” Cruz will take over from here. He’ll have new signee – veteran defender Jair Pereira – to shore up a shaky defense.

15. Atlas (+2)

2-2-4, 8 points, 7 GF, 10 GA

The Zorros have won two of three games since Diego Cocca took over, both by 1-0 scores and both with gritty defense and impressive work rate behind the ball. This might be the least talented Liga MX roster, but Cocca has his team playing well.

15. Mazatlán (—)

1-3-4, 6 points, 9 GF, 15 GA

This seems low for this hard-working team, but 6 points in 8 games kind of speaks for itself. One wonders when coach Francisco Palencia will realize Camilo Sanvezzo needs to be a starter. It sure seems like the former Monarcas of Morelia are underachieving.

17. Toluca (–9)

4-0-4, 12 points, 13 GF, 18 GA

The Diablos have fallen from No. 2 to No. 17 in in just two weeks. The “Choriceros” are actually in seventh place in the Liga MX table, but two straight 4-1 losses has coach José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre on edge and it’s hard to see Toluca stopping this free-fall soon with FC Juárez and América on deck in the next six days.

18. Atlético de San Luis (—)

1-2-5, 5 points, 10 GF, 15 GA

The Tuneros have lost four in a row while looking completely discombobulated. The poor run of play cost “Memo” Vázquez his job and he really deserved to be axed as his club appeared to have little tactical awareness or cohesion. Four Liga MX coaches have been fired through eight weeks already.