Sporting Kansas Metropolis will tackle FC Cincinnati and Chivas de Guadalajara within the upcoming, expanded version of Leagues Cup, seeing ahead Alan Pulido confront his former Liga MX group.
The 2023 event will see 15 teams with Main League Soccer and Liga MX groups compete in a ‘World Cup-style’ competitors from July 21 to August 19. For the primary time ever, all groups from each leagues will compete within the month-long occasion.
Sporting KC was sorted into Central Group 3, decided by the group’s matching area and their place within the 2022 Supporters’ Protect standings. Liga MX groups have been ranked by the combination 2022 desk, and positioned into the teams via reverse order in order that the #1 group could be positioned with the quantity 15 aspect from the American league.
Previous to the group reveal, Pulido expressed his pleasure over the upcoming event.
“I already know Liga MX, I grew up there and performed for a very long time. Going through up in opposition to teammates who on the time have shared time within the nationwide group or in groups is sweet, it makes me blissful but in addition very anxious,” he mentioned solely to 90min.
However stakes have been raised upon studying who his opponents could be.
“I am wanting ahead to the sport. I am excited to play in opposition to Chivas, the group the place I achieved essential issues each as a gaggle and as a person. I am nonetheless targeted on my restoration, however the sport in opposition to Chivas motivates me to come back again and be capable of play.”
Pulido first joined Chivas in 2016, rapidly changing into one of the crucial influential figures on the roster. He impressed the group to the 2017 Liga MX Clausura title and have become certainly one of two main goalscorers of the 2019 Apertura, earlier than departing for Sporting Kansas Metropolis in December 2019.
Regardless of early success, his time in Main League Soccer has been stricken by damage. He’s been out for nearly a 12 months, after struggling an ACL tear whereas on worldwide responsibility with the Mexican nationwide group.
However the participant is slated to make his long-awaited return in 2023.
“With the way in which he’s progressing, Alan’s trying to be prepared for the primary sport of the season. However that doesn’t essentially imply I’ll play him,” mentioned Sporting Kansas Metropolis head coach and sporting director Peter Vermes.
Pulido and SKC kick off the 2023 MLS marketing campaign on February 25 when going through the Portland Timbers at Windfall Park.