By Erick De La Rosa
The Leagues Cup Matchday 1 clash between Tigres UANL and Real Salt Lake did not disappoint. The Mexican side drew 1-1 against the MLS team in regulation and claimed the extra point with a 6-5 victory in the penalty shootout.
Tigres took the lead early with a goal from Juan Brunetta in the sixth minute, but Real Salt Lake equalized thanks to Pablo Ruiz before halftime, sending the match to penalties.
Both teams created opportunities to find a winner after the break, but neither could capitalize as the match remained deadlocked through 90 minutes. From the spot, Tigres proved more clinical, converting all six of its penalties before Zach Booth's miss in the sixth round handed the Liga MX side the extra point.
The result gives Tigres an important early boost in the Phase One standings, while Real Salt Lake settles for one point after a hard-fought performance in front of its home supporters.
REACTIONS:
- Tigres Head Coach Hernán Elizondo
- "The players are motivated, they are very competitive people. Since I've been with them, they've shown me that. I know that every time they step onto the pitch, they will give their maximum effort."
- Real Salt Lake Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni
- "The Pablo(Ruiz) we saw tonight was the player that was, for me, the best midfielder in MLS in 2023."
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH:
- Tigres:
- Juan Brunetta opened the scoring in the 6th minute and gave Tigres confidence throughout the entire match.
GAME NOTES:
- Despite not scoring, Uruguay forward Rodrigo Aguirre assisted Brunetta on the Tigres goal and send a formal message to stay in the starting team.
- Real Salt Lake had 15 shots, 6 on target, with only one goal. The lack of finishing was costly.
- This was Tigres' first of two matches in the U.S. during this Leagues Cup group stage and the third will be in their home stadium, El 'Volcán'.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT:
- Yellow Cards:
- Tigres: Garza, Lainez
- Real Salt Lake: Engel
LOOKING AHEAD
- Tigres next game: Aug. 7 vs. Minnesota
- Real Salt Lake next game: Aug. 8 vs. Atlante
