Earthquakes Crushes Necaxa and Advances in the Leagues Cup

The San Jose Earthquakes simply destroyed Necaxa, delivering a crushing 5-0 victory and securing their spot in the Leagues Cup Round of 16. It was the kind of performance that not only boosts team morale but also sends a clear message that American soccer is no joke.

From the first whistle, the Earthquakes seemed destined to dominate the game. Jackson Yueill opened the scoring, making it clear he was there to lead his team. The goal came as naturally as if he had already known it was his moment. And it was. What followed was a series of plays that resembled more of an attack vs. defense drill than an official match. Hernán López, with his enviable skill, extended the lead and put even more pressure on the Mexicans. At that point, Necaxa seemed lost, as if trying to run through quicksand while watching their opponents fly by as if on a racetrack.

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Jeremy Ebobisse, the man of the night, sealed the victory with two consecutive goals, proving that he’s truly in the zone. Ebobisse played with a confidence bordering on arrogance, but who can blame him? The guy was in a state of grace. He’s the kind of player that, once he gets confident, it’s better to stay out of his way. Necaxa’s defense felt this firsthand and, understandably, never saw the ball. Paul Marie even had time to leave his mark at the end, like putting the final touch on a masterpiece.

But what really stands out about this victory isn’t just the five goals. It’s what they represent. The Earthquakes showed that when they want to, they can be ruthless. This result wasn’t just a win on the field; it was a statement. A message to the other teams in the Leagues Cup: underestimate us at your own risk. The California team didn’t just win; they humiliated Necaxa.

Now, with confidence through the roof, the Earthquakes are already gearing up to face LAFC next Tuesday. And here’s the critical point: while the Earthquakes are coming off a crushing win, LAFC is a giant that won’t be easily toppled. The California showdown promises to be electrifying, with two teams ready to deliver a spectacle. However, this emphatic victory over Necaxa gives the Earthquakes a psychological edge. They know they can dismantle a defense when they want to. The challenge now is to replicate that performance against a top-tier opponent.

LAFC is an experienced team with a strong squad and a shrewd coach. They’ll study this Necaxa massacre and prepare not to fall into the same trap. The Earthquakes, on the other hand, need to keep up the intensity, not just physically, but mentally.

The impact of this victory, however, goes beyond the field. It’s a show of strength from MLS over Liga MX at a time when comparisons between the leagues are inevitable. The American league has been investing heavily, and victories like this one show that the results are starting to show.

Can the Earthquakes repeat the feat? Or will the giant LAFC put the Earthquakes back in their place?