Football BaBe
USMNT Stars Cade Cowell and Richard Ledezma Power Chivas to Epic Victory Against Atlético de San Luis
In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Chivas showcased resilience and flair, turning a potential defeat into a memorable triumph. This high-scoring encounter not only highlighted the talents of emerging USMNT prospects but also marked a pivotal moment in the Apertura 2025 season, with Chivas securing their initial points amid intense competition.
- Chicharito did not feature
- The match saw multiple lead changes
- Cowell scored his first Liga MX goal since November 2024
Key Contributions from USMNT Talents in Chivas’ Dramatic Triumph
Under the guidance of coach Gabriel Milito, Chivas clinched a heart-pounding 4-3 success against Atlético de San Luis, driven by strikes from American wing sensation Cade Cowell, a double from forward Armando González, and an unfortunate own goal triggered by dual-citizen midfielder Richard Ledezma’s clever involvement. This result propelled the team to their opening points in the 2025 Apertura tournament, boosting morale as they aim for a strong campaign.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Stage for Chivas
The Guadalajara-based squad, known as the Red and Whites, stormed to a commanding 2-0 advantage by the intermission. The breakthrough arrived via an own goal from Juan Manuel Sanabria, sparked by Ledezma’s masterful curling effort that was brilliantly saved by San Luis custodian Andrés Sánchez. In the ensuing scramble, Sanabria inadvertently directed the ball into his own goal while trying to beat Ledezma to it. Moments before halftime, Cowell amplified the lead with a clinical finish, his initial Liga MX strike since late 2024, reminiscent of a predator seizing an opportunity in a dense forest hunt.
Second-Half Rollercoaster and González’s Heroic Rescue
A seemingly secure lead evaporated into chaos after the restart, as San Luis mounted a fierce comeback with tallies from Eduardo Águila at the 50-minute mark, Joao Pedro in the 69th, and Benjamín Galdames flipping the script to a 3-2 edge by the 75th. Yet, in a display of sheer determination, Armando González rose to the occasion, netting crucial equalizers in the 84th and a winner in the 90th, delivering an exhilarating reversal for the Rojiblancos faithful. This turnaround echoes recent Liga MX trends where teams have overturned deficits in over 30% of matches this season, according to updated 2025 statistics.
Chicharito’s Absence and Upcoming Challenges for Chivas
Star striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández remains sidelined for the entire Apertura 2025 opener due to ongoing injury concerns, and the club has announced he won’t participate in the Leagues Cup group phase either. This development puts additional pressure on emerging stars like Cowell and Ledezma to fill the void.
Looking ahead, Chivas are set to launch their Leagues Cup journey this Thursday facing off against the New York Red Bulls, a matchup that promises more international flair and opportunities for USMNT-linked players to shine.
