León nipping at the heels of Monterrey powerhouses
Table-topping Monterrey is on pace to score 40+ goals, while Veracruz has not rippled the net even once through six games.
No question that the undefeated Monterrey Rayados deserve their No. 1 spot, but the big surprise thus far during the Clausura 2019 is the performance of León, a deserving 3-0 winner at América on Saturday.
At the other end of the table, it looks like a fifth coach has gotten the axe this season as cellar-dwelling Querétaro is looking to make a move.
1. Monterrey
The Rayados have not been terribly consistent thus far and have coughed up late leads twice, but when they are hitting on all cylinders, watch out!
2. Tigres
Mark March 9 on your calendar. That’s when the Tigres pay a visit to their crosstown rivals, Monterrey.
3. León
After their impressive performance, the Esmeraldas’ Week 2 tie at Monterrey doesn’t seem like such a fluke.
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4. América
In 8th place in the standings, but with a game in hand … the Aguilas are dealing with injuries and two new offensive pieces came on board late in the transfer window. Their visit to UNAM on Sunday will reveal a lot.
5. Necaxa
One of only two undefeated teams, the Rayos are exceeding expectations, but their two draws at home (vs Morelia and vs Chivas) could be costly.
6. Pachuca
The Tuzos seem to be gaining understanding of what coach Martin Palermo wants, but a win over Morelia is nothing to brag about.
7. (tie) Chivas
Guadalajara is on a 3-game winless streak, but looked dangerous during the first half at Necaxa. Crosstown rivals Atlas come calling on Saturday and no better way to return to the win column than to beat your rival.
7. (tie) Atlas
The Zorros played their worst game of the season and should be embarrassed. They better shake it off because the Chivas love to beat up their Guadalajara siblings.
9. Cruz Azul
Someone other than Elías Hernández finals scored. Could Orbelín Pineda finally be finding himself as a Cementero? Still, the offense is a mess. WWCD? (What will Caixinha do?)
10. Santos
The Guerreros are ahead of Cruz Azul in the standings and they visit the Cementeros on Saturday with the chance to convince me they belong higher in these rankings.
11. Tijuana
Coach Oscar Pareja has the Xolos playing with purpose. They look significantly more organized and their offensive movement is clearly improved over last season.
12. Toluca
The Diablos Rojos ended their 3-game scoreless streak, but are only 1-1-1 at home. A visit to León would not seem to be the prescribed medicine at this time.
13. Pumas
After getting their first win of the season, there is no rest for the Pumas. Bitter rivals América has plans to storm the UNAM castle on Sunday.
14. Puebla
A nice road win for the Camoteros just as new coach José Luis Sánchez Solá prepare to take over. How will they respond? Pachuca will be their first test.
15. Lobos BUAP
After a promising start to the season, the Lobos have gone 0-1-3 with 4 goals for and 11 goals against.
16. Morelia
What is going on with the Monarcas? A playoff contender last season, they look like pretenders this season.
17. Veracruz
The Tiburones have yet to score and seem like sure bets to face relegation at the end of the season. Club management claims to already have the 120 million-peso buyout in hand to remain in the first division.
18. Querétaro
Coach Rafa Puente, Jr., is getting the boot despite pleas from the players to keep him on. But the Gallos Blancos are winless and management is already negotiation with Puente’s successor.