Pumas UNAM Defeats FC Juárez In Tense Liga MX Clash

Pumas UNAM Defeats FC Juárez In Tense Liga MX Clash...

Pumas UNAM secured a 2-1 victory over FC Juárez in a heated Liga MX match late Thursday night, sparking discussions among U.S. soccer fans. The game, played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, saw tensions flare with multiple yellow cards and a late-game scuffle.

The match is trending in the U.S. due to growing interest in Liga MX, which now draws larger American audiences than many European leagues. Univision reported a 12% increase in U.S. viewership for this season compared to last year.

Argentine striker Gustavo del Prete scored the winning goal for Pumas in the 78th minute, his fifth of the season. FC Juárez had equalized earlier through Amaury Escoto after Pumas took an early lead via Eduardo Salvio's penalty.

The physical match featured seven yellow cards, including two for Juárez coach Diego Mejía. A near-brawl broke out in stoppage time when Juárez players protested a non-call, requiring referee Luis Enrique Santander to intervene.

Pumas (5-3-2) moves into playoff contention with the win, while Juárez (3-5-4) remains near the bottom of the table. The teams will meet again on May 14 in Ciudad Juárez for the return fixture.

U.S. interest stems from both teams' connections to American soccer. Pumas has partnered with USL side Orange County SC, while Juárez's proximity to El Paso makes them popular along the border. Liga MX matches now regularly outdraw Premier League games among Hispanic audiences in America.

The league's growing stateside popularity was evident on social media, where #PumasJuarez trended in several U.S. cities Thursday night. Univision will broadcast the rematch next month, with English commentary available on TUDN.

With Liga MX's playoff race heating up, American fans are increasingly tuning in to follow the drama. The league's physical style and passionate fanbases have made it one of the fastest-growing soccer properties in the U.S. market.