Atlanta United FC take on Cruz Azul this Saturday, July 29, in what will be a decisive clash as both look to join Inter Miami CF in qualifying for the knockout stages at this summer’s Leagues Cup 2023.
Both teams previously fell to the Lionel Messi-led franchise, with the Argentine scoring against both teams. They will now fight it out for the second place in the pool.
The match, which already promises to be an exciting one given what’s at stake, will be a special one in particular for one of the Atlanta United players in Luis Abram. The Peruvian defender will be taking on Cruz Azul having previously been with the LIGA MX side over the course of 2022.
A controversial exit
Abram initially arrived at the Máquina on a loan deal from Spanish side Granada back in January of 2022.
Although he hit the ground running with some good performances that impressed fans, that initial form soon faded as he slipped down the pecking order.
One game in particular was the catalyst that saw him sidelined from the team. Cruz Azul had lost 7-0 to SC Club América, and the manager back then, Raúl Gutiérrez, decided to drop him for the next five games.
In the midst of this conflict, Abram took to social media to go against his manager, given he was being called up by the Peruvian national team and felt appreciated in his own country.
He made a return to the squad to play a few minutes of the final two games of the Apertura 2022 regular season, before his time at the club ended. In the end, he made 38 appearances, scored twice, and won the Supercopa MX title.
A new start at Atlanta United FC
After his difficult spell with the Mexican side, Abram set off for Major League Soccer, signing a contract with Atlanta United FC in February of 2023.
There, he has claimed a spot as starter in the latter part of the campaign, just before the break for this summer’s Leagues Cup. He has racked up 13 appearances in total so far, and will no doubt be in for a special match-up tonight.
