Pumas Collapse in California and Suffer Heavy Defeat Against San Diego

Club Universidad endured a difficult night in California and took a major step backward in the Concacaf Champions Cup 2026. Despite taking an early lead, Pumas failed to maintain their level and were overwhelmed 4–1 by San Diego FC in the first leg of the opening round, a result that seriously compromises their chances of advancing.

The outlook for the Mexican side changed dramatically in the second half, when they conceded four goals that erased a promising first-half performance and left the series heavily tilted against them ahead of the return leg at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

Pumas started the match with confidence, even managing to withstand San Diego’s high press. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse, Adalberto Carrasquilla threaded a precise pass to Robert Morales, who stunned the crowd with a spectacular bicycle kick to open the scoring.

The goal boosted the Auriazules’ confidence, and for stretches they controlled the tempo of the match. However, physical fatigue and the intensity of the home side began to take their toll after halftime.

The collapse began in the 69th minute, when Manu Duah equalized with a powerful header. From that moment on, San Diego took full control, and Pumas struggled to cope with the constant pressure.

Soon after, David Vázquez made it 2–1, highlighting the effectiveness of head coach Mikey Varas and the lack of response from the side led by Efraín Juárez.

With Pumas disorganized and out of answers, Alex Mighten and Luca Bombino added two more goals to seal the emphatic win and all but bury Pumas’ hopes in the first leg. The final 4–1 scoreline left a sense of frustration and concern.

Now, the Mexico City club is forced to win by at least three goals at home if they want to stay alive in the competition. The series is not officially over, but the defeat in California has left Pumas on the brink of elimination and in need of a historic comeback.