Tuzos, Tigres top season’s first Power Rankings
Not too late for these clubs, but clock ticking
11. Toluca
(13 points, 4-1-4, 10 goals for, 17 goals allowed)
The Diablos are actually in 7th place in the Liga MX table yet the way they were chewed up by visiting Pachuca on Sunday makes this ranking seem a bit high. “Nacho” Ambriz’s return to Liga MX could be short-lived unless his team can figure out how to play defense.
12. Atlético de San Luis
(10 points, 3-1-5, 10 goals for, 12 goals allowed
Since André Jardine took the reins, the Tuneros have become a more composed team. Jardine led Brazil to gold in Tokyo last summer and he has San Luis pointed toward the playoffs now.
13. América
(7 points, 1-4-5, 10 goals for, 16 goals allowed)
The Aguilas have looked pathetic and this might be a bit high for them especially since they have been in the cellar most of the past month. But “Los AzulCremas” have a favorable schedule ahead (but a killer closing stretch). So it’s now or never and I think “now” will prevail.
14. Necaxa
(11 points, 3-2-5, 10 goals for, 14 goals allowed)
The Rayos have been overmatched in several games this season and the easy part of their schedule is behind them. Their priority will be avoiding a “relegation penalty,” but that won’t be easy.
15. Tijuana
(11 points, 3-2-4, 8 goals for, 14 goals allowed)
The Xolos have been underachieving for quite some time, yet somehow Sebastián Méndez is still on the job. There’s too much talent here for the club to be stuck near the bottom of the “Relegation Standings.”
16. FC Juárez
(8 points, 2-2-5, 8 goals for, 12 goals allowed)
The Bravos have been in every game they’ve played this season, but veteran coach Ricardo Ferretti is not one to embrace moral victories. If the strike pairing of Diego Rolan and Darío Lezcano could get healthy, the team could chase a playoff spot.
17. Mazatlán FC
(7 points, 2-1-6, 10 goals for, 17 goals allowed)
The Cañoneros have the worst goal differential in Liga MX (actually tied with Toluca at –7) and one of the league’s worst offenses. New coach Gabriel Caballero has his work cut out for him.
Next. Barcelona steamroll Osasuna. dark
18. Querétaro
(8 points, 1-5-4, 8 goals for 14 goals allowed)
The Gallos Blancos will forever be stigmatized by the horrific scenes at La Corregidora Stadium on March 5 and will essentially be playing on the road the rest of the season. There goal will be to avoid slipping further in the standings and closer to the “Relegation Penalty Zone.”