By Victor Araiza
Pachuca secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Houston Dynamo to close out their Phase One campaign in Leagues Cup 2025, thanks to a second-half strike from newcomer Santiago Togni. The result places the Tuzos in a favorable position to qualify for the Knockout Stage, pending results across the final slate of matches.
Both sides entered the match knowing a win could make all the difference in the complex qualification picture, and the tension showed in a cagey first half that featured few clear-cut chances. Houston looked to play on the counter, while Pachuca controlled much of the possession but struggled to break down a compact Dynamo defense.
The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute. After a sustained spell of pressure, Togni found space on the left edge of the box, cut inside, and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Steve Clark to give Pachuca the lead. It was a moment of quality from the Argentine winger in just his second appearance with the club.
Houston pushed forward in the final 15 minutes, trying to salvage a result that would boost their own chances of advancing. But Pachuca held firm defensively, anchored by veteran keeper Carlos Moreno and center back Gustavo Cabral, who cleared several dangerous crosses in the final moments.
With the win, Pachuca now sits on seven points and a +2 goal differential, likely enough to carry them into the Knockout Stage—but nothing is guaranteed until the dust settles on Phase One.
For now, the Tuzos have done their part. And with Togni’s timely arrival and immediate impact, they may have found a new difference-maker heading into the business end of the tournament.
REACTIONS
- CF Pachuca head coach Jaime Lozano:
- “I think the roles in many MLS and Liga MX games are being reversed. Now we don't look so much for possession, but rather to generate and create scoring opportunities when they let their guard down, which is what used to happen to us.”
- CF Pachuca winger Gastón Togni:
- “I came into a game that was very tight. And well, we had the misfortune of the penalty, but we were able to turn it around. I'm happy because I was able to help the team.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH:
- CF Pachuca:
- Gastón Togni came off the bench to score the game-winner and earn Man of the Match honors
GAME NOTES:
- CF Pachuca defeated Houston Dynamo for the first time in Leagues Cup play.
- Carlos Moreno played his 100th match with CF Pachuca.
- Gastón Togni scored his second goal in his 3rd appearance since joining the Tuzos.
- Amine Bassi scored Houston's only goal of the night, he snapped a streak of 15 games without a goal.
- Houston Dynamo exits the tournament without a win, going 0-3.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT:
- Yellow cards:
- CF Pachuca: Elías Montiel, Alemão
LOOKING AHEAD:
- Houston Dynamo exit Leagues Cup 2025 and returns to MLS play at rival Austin FC on Saturday
- CF Pachuca will hold out hope of attaining one of the four Liga MX spots in the quarterfinals. They return to Apertura 2025 play on Saturday, visiting Atlas FC.
