Another weekend of Liga MX is in the books, and the latest jornada (match week) of the 2023 Clausura gave us plenty of talking points, including: U.S. men’s national team call-up Alejandro Zendejas prospering for Club America, Pumas moving on from the Dani Alves era of the team, a hat trick for Monterrey forward Rogelio Funes Mori, and much more.
If you missed any of it, here are the three big talking points and a few additional notes from Week 3 of the Liga MX season.
– Liga MX standings | Liga MX coverage on ESPN Deportes
– Futbol Americas on ESPN+: Liga MX, MLS, USMNT, El Tri
Zendejas scores in style before possible USMNT debut
Few players in Liga MX had a more compelling week than Club America dual-national Alejandro Zendejas.
Just three days after earning his first-ever call-up to the senior U.S. men’s national team, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder took full advantage of his new spotlight. Despite Club America stumbling to a 2-2 draw at home against Puebla last Saturday, Zendejas shined brightly with a highlight-worthy goal and assist.
¡Goool del @clubamerica! 🔥
¡Pero qué golazo nos acaba de regalar Zendejas! Espectacular joyita para devolverle la ventaja al Ame. 👏
🦅 2-1 🎽#TUClausura2023 | #SabadoFutbolero | #SomosAmérica | #LaFranjaQueNosUne
🔴 EN VIVO
📺 TUDN y @univision
📲👉 https://t.co/PVE4gDEGZ4 pic.twitter.com/hSOfntwAvt— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) January 22, 2023
Now with the USMNT and set for a possible debut in a friendly against Serbia this Wednesday, the Mexican-American will aim to raise his resurgent stock even higher.
Once a middling option for Chivas despite previous experience in the youth national team programs for both Mexico and the United States, Zendejas eventually discovered an early renaissance in his career after flourishing with Necaxa from 2020-21. Club America soon took notice, as did Mexico’s senior national team, which brought him along for a couple of friendlies in 2021 and 2022.
– Across the league, Liga MX clubs held moments of silence to pay their respects to Anton Walkes, the Charlotte FC defender who sadly passed away last week. Liga MX also released a statement to express their condolences.
– Chivas announced that Mexico international Alexis Vega will need six to eight weeks to recover from a surgery on his right knee. Vega’s absence will be a massive one through at least the midpoint of the regular season.
– Leon held a farewell ceremony to club legend and icon Luis Montes. The 36-year-old, now with Chile’s Everton, led Leon to Liga MX titles in 2013, 2014 and 2020.
– 15 three-team groups were revealed for this summer’s expanded Leagues Cup tournament. The month-long competition, which begins in July, will feature each and every Liga MX and MLS club.
