Sports stats



MLS Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United vs. Club Puebla

July 22, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNESOTA UNITED vs. CLUB PUEBLA

ALLIANZ FIELD | SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA

07.23.2023 | Leagues Cup 2023 Group Stage

8:00 p.m. CT (MLS Season Pass; FS1; UniMas)

Leagues Cup Record

MIN: 0-0-0

PUE: 0-0-0

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- Minnesota United will face Club Puebla of LIGA MX for the Loons' first-ever Leagues Cup tournament match. This match is the first Group Stage match of Group Central 2 for MNUFC. La Franja currently sit 17th of 18 teams in the table having two losses and one draw through three matches in the LIGA MX Apertura season. At the end of last season, Puebla finished in seventh, earning a spot in the playoffs where the club lost in the Quarter-Finals to Club Leon. The Loons enter the match having earned four points in MLS regular-season action last week - first securing a 3-0 win at Houston Dynamo before earning a 1-1 draw against LAFC. Minnesota also holds some experience having faced three LIGA MX teams in its history, along with having current Loons defender Miguel Tapias on the squad, who formerly played with C.F. Pachuca of the Mexican league. As both sides are eager for a win to start off the group stage strong, Sunday's match will be one for the history books.

HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH ON PREPARING FOR CLUB PUEBLA ON SUNDAY...

"With the technology they've got these days, we can watch every game in Mexico of every team. We won't be caught by surprise by anything they do. They [Club Puebla] do play a little bit different, the game is a little bit more strung out and probably, the games are a little bit more technical than physical. But we know that they can move the ball really well and when they play well, they're a good team. So, [I'm] looking forward to the game."

GOALKEEPER DAYNE ST. CLAIR ON THE GAME FORMAT WITH PENALTY SHOOTOUTS INSTEAD OF TIES...

"First and foremost, my focus is on the 90 minutes. I'm hoping that we can get the job done in those 90 minutes and then if I'm called upon for penalties, I'm looking to do my job and to help the team with at least a couple of saves."

STORYLINES PRESENTED BY BMW

Storylines is so ready for Leagues Cup to get started but is still a bit confused about Minnesota United's first opponent. What's the deal with Club Puebla? Are they good, bad, or something in between? I took to the internet to see what I could find, and I put together a little history lesson for all of you to enjoy. It's story time!

Since 1904, the city of Puebla has had organized soccer in some form. Their first team, Puebla AC, was founded two years after the first known league was started in Mexico. After a tumultuous few decades of relocating, folding, and starting new clubs, Club Puebla emerged from the chaos in 1944 and has represented their city ever since.

In their first-ever season, La Franja found immediate success, earning a second-place finish in the league and winning the Copa México against Club Ameríca in a thrilling 5-3 final. They would claim the Copa once more in 1953, the last title the club would win for the next 30 years.

Following financial struggles throughout the mid-1950s, Club Puebla was reformed in 1964. They were forced to play in the second division after their revival and ultimately waited six years to earn their promotion back to the top level in 1970.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY REPORT:

Minnesota United

OUT:

R. Jiba - Knee

R. Lod - Knee

QUESTIONABLE:

F. Fragapane - Thigh

M. Tapias - Ankle

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from July 22, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central