Liga MX: Pumas earn 3rd straight No. 1 ranking

Playoff spots nowhere near guaranteed

10. FC Juárez (—)

3-4-3, 13 points, 9 GF, 10 GA

The Bravos scored early then parked the bus. They certainly lulled Puebla to sleep and bored the television audience to death, but coach Gabriel Caballero will always take the 3 points, as well he should. The border team hustles from whistle-to-whistle and they certainly have an outside shot at a wildcard spot, especially if they continue to close out games.

11. Puebla (—)

3-1-6, 10 points, 14 GF, 15 GA

The Camoteros seem to be stuck in a rut. No Liga MX team has more losses, a byproduct of their inconsistency and lack of finishing skill up front. After a promising 2-1-0 start to the Guardianes, Coach Juan Reynoso has watched his team stagger to six losses in seven matches. If “La Franja” comes home from last place Necaxa without all 3 points, one has to wonder if Reynoso’s job is at stake.

11. Santos Laguna (—)

2-3-5, 9 points, 10 GF, 15 GA

The Guerreros are 16th in the Liga MX table so this seems high. Coach Guillermo Almada can’t find anyone to pair up with Julio Furch in attack (Octavio Rivera can’t pass, Eduardo Aguirre can’t score) and his wingers fail to understand that it’s impossible to make a centering pass with a man directly in front of you (I’m looking at you, Bryan Garnica). Walter Gael Sandoval provided spark after coming on at the break so he might get a longer look with the league’s worst defense (Toluca) next up on the schedule.

13. Tijuana (+1)

3-1-6, 10 points, 8 GF, 16 GA

Coach Pablo Guede finally had settled on a roster after getting rid of forwards Ariel Nahuelpán and Miller Bolaños – a move that hampered his offense, but improved the locker room. Then the Xolos were hit by a virus outbreak and four players were unavailable against Cruz Azul. Guede appears to have established a tactical approach that will allow his young players to thrive. Once they settle in and fully understand the game plan, this should be a fun team to watch.