FC Jurez falls to Club Len at Southwest University Park

EL PASO, Texas – Southwest University Park was host to a friendly between FC Jurez and Club Len Wednesday night.

It was merely a preseason exhibition match, but it presented a chance for FC Jurez to prove that it can play with the best teams in Mexican soccer.

After a game that was scoreless of the first half, there was still a chance for the Bravos to take the lead.

But Club Leon struck first at the 80th minute as German Cano struck a header into the back of the net off a near perfect cross.

This was followed by another Club Leon goal just 10 minutes later. Diego Novaretti also headed in a goal in the box off a corner kick to take the 2-0 lead.

FC Juarez had some chances late, but were never able to capitalize at the right moment as they fell 2-0.

Bravos (FC Jurez) currently play in the second-tier of Mexican soccer. They had a chance to move up to the top tier but were beaten in a two-leg playoff by Necaxa last season.

Len, meanwhile, is still trying to find its way under new head coach Luis Fernando before it begins the Apertura portion of its season in the top tier or Liga MX.

“We’re in the preseason. We still have our minds on that,” said Luis Montes, a Jurez native who now plays as a midfielder for Club Len.

The season opener for FC Juarez is July 16, as the club will take on Mineros Zacatecas.