Liga MX: Pumas earn 3rd straight No. 1 ranking
Looking more and more like Liga MX also-rans
14. Atlas (–1)
2-4-4, 10 points, 9 GF, 12 GA
Since taking over on Matchday 5, coach Diego Cocca and the Zorros have gone 2-3-1. However, the home draw against Mazatlán on Saturday was a dismal result. Cocca has shown his youngsters confidence and that will no doubt pay dividends in the long term. For now, Atlas has a tough match against Pachuca this weekend, then two very winnable contests (at FC Juárez and vs Necaxa) before the all-important Clásico Tapatío at Estadio Akron on Oct. 17. A win against the Chivas and all else will be forgotten.
15. Toluca (+3)
4-1-5, 13 points, 14 GF, 20 GA
The Diablos had not experienced a draw through the first nine weeks of the Liga MX season, but that point they earned at Estadio Azteca against América sure felt like 3 points. Coach José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre was air-brushing his résumé before the match, but the “Choriceros” gave the heavily favored Aguilas all they could handle. They might have a case to be ranked higher but a league-worst 20 goals against cancels that argument. Rookie defender Brandon Sartiaguin, 20, scored his first goal with a smooth conversion at the back post.
16. Mazatlán FC (–1)
2-4-4, 10 points, 11 GF, 16 GA
Critics argue that coach Francisco Palencia is mishandling his roster and the former Monarcas of Morelia now look like they are playing not to lose instead of marauding forward like they did under Pablo Guede. Mazatlán is actually in 14th place in the Liga MX table, but they appear to be floundering and their defense (16 goals conceded in 10 games) is making life difficult on their goalies.
17. Atlético de San Luis (–1)
2-2-6, 8 points, 12 GF, 19 GA
The Tuneros reverted to form against the Pumas, giving up a goal early then contributing an own-goal late. It doesn’t help that four more players tested positive for Covid-19 and missed the match. It’s clear that coach Guillermo Vázquez is holding on by a thread, and if San Luis comes up short against Monterrey on Sunday, “Memo” could be looking for another job by Monday.
dark. Next. Coaches on hot seat
18. Necaxa (–1)
2-2-6, 8 points, 7 GF, 16 GA
The punchless Rayos are in free-fall and the coaching change has not revived the team’s fortunes. They battled the Chivas for 90 minutes and appeared set to steal a point despite playing with 10 men for the final 50 minutes on Friday night. Instead, Necaxa played matador defense, gave Alexis Vega room to get off a shot in minute 90+4 and lost. A visit from Puebla might be just what the doctor ordered, but the Pumas loom the following week.