Mazatlán FC Outclasses Houston Dynamo 2–0 in Leagues Cup Group Stage
Danny Jefferson | August 1, 2025
HOUSTON — Mazatlán FC made their trip to Shell Energy Stadium count, walking away with a comfortable 2–0 win over Houston Dynamo in tonight’s Leagues Cup group stage matchup. Houston came in looking for their first win, but Mazatlán took control early and never let up.
The first goal came in the 25th minute when Mazatlán’s Facundo Almada got on the end of a perfectly placed corner from Nicolás Benedetti. Almada rose above the defense and headed it past Pedro Cruz at the near post. Cruz, making his debut for the Dynamo, was tested throughout the night and found himself under pressure constantly.
Houston had moments where they looked threatening, especially toward the end of the first half. Femi Awodesu smashed a shot off the crossbar in stoppage time, and Erik Dueñas nearly finished the rebound, but Mazatlán keeper Ricardo Gutiérrez made a crucial save right on the line. It was one of six saves on the night for Gutiérrez, who walked away with a clean sheet.
Mazatlán doubled their lead in the 57th minute after a Houston turnover in midfield. Benedetti again played provider, this time slipping in Fábio Gomes with a long through ball. Gomes split the defense and calmly finished at the near post, making it 2–0.
Houston dominated possession most of the night, with over 60% of the ball and 17 total shots, but they just couldn’t find the final touch. Their build-up play looked sharp at times, but Mazatlán’s back line held strong and denied any real breakthroughs in the second half.
Mazatlán kept the tempo in their favor and closed out the match with confidence. Houston threw numbers forward late, hoping to get back in it, but nothing came of it. The result puts Mazatlán in a strong position in their group, while Houston is still looking for their first win in this Leagues Cup campaign.
Mazatlán now looks ahead to their next match with real momentum, while Houston faces a tough challenge trying to bounce back and stay in the tournament.
Houston’s frustration was evident in the second half. Several close-range chances went begging, and their inability to break down Mazatlán’s low block started to wear on them. Ibrahim Aliyu had a golden opportunity in the 72nd minute but fired his shot just wide of the post. Moments later, Charles Auguste saw his volley blocked inside the box. The Dynamo lacked sharpness in the final third, and it proved costly.
For Mazatlán, it was a statement win — not just in terms of the scoreline, but in how they managed the game from start to finish. Benedetti’s creativity in midfield dictated the rhythm, while the back line led by Néstor Vidrio stayed composed under pressure. Manager Ismael Rescalvo praised his team’s discipline post-match, saying the players “executed the game plan with maturity and confidence.”
The win moves Mazatlán up the standings in Group B and positions them well heading into their final group match. For Houston, the task now becomes must-win territory if they hope to keep their tournament hopes alive. They'll need a turnaround — and quickly — with everything on the line in their next fixture.