Mazatlán fell in a penalty shootout against Philadelphia Union and is one step away from the Semifinals of the 2024 Leagues Cup.
The first half at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania was a little uneventful. Both teams opted to wait for their opponents to make a mistake, but it was the home team who had possession of the ball for much of the 45 minutes.
The match close to half-time increased in intensity in stoppage time with the expulsion of Tai Baribo.
However, Mazatlán was unable to take advantage of the few added minutes with the numerical advantage and, paradoxically, it was Philadelphia who punished the Mexican team with the first goal of the night.
A minute after Baribo was sent off, striker Mikaael Uhre broke away from the touchline, reached the byline and chipped the ball with great skill, almost at an angle, before firing his shot into the back of the net.
The second half was in Mazatlán’s favor after a set piece play that Alonso Escoboza headed to tie the game and force penalties.
From the penalty spot, Mazatlán failed to score twice against Philadelphia and was eliminated in the Quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. The Union joined Columbus Crew as the first two semifinalists of the tournament.
