Charlotte FC find themselves in a compelling Leagues Cup encounter, where the clash of old and new takes center stage. The Crown's journey is only just commencing, while their adversary, Club Necaxa, stands tall as one of Mexico's oldest and most legendary football clubs, with a storied past that extends over a century.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a major force in Mexican football, Necaxa has left an indelible mark on the sport and captured the hearts of countless fans along the way.
Founding and Early Years
The club's story dates back to August 21, 1923, when Englishman William H. Frasser and a group of young Mexican soccer enthusiasts founded Necaxa in Mexico City. The team initially played in the Liga Mexicana de Football Amateur Association, the precursor to the professional league, before joining the Liga Mayor in 1943. From the outset, Necaxa adopted its now-famous red and white colors, which have become synonymous with the club.
Necaxa quickly made its mark in Mexican football during the 1930s, a decade that would go down in the history books as the club's golden era. Under the guidance of legendary coach Alfonso Saborio, the team achieved unprecedented success, claiming three consecutive league titles from 1932 to 1934.
One of the most defining moments in Club Necaxa's history occurred in the late 1930s when the team embarked on a journey known as "The Great Migration." During this period, several prominent players from the club, including Horacio Casarin and Luis "Pirata" Fuente, made their way to Spain to play for La Liga clubs. Their departure marked the end of Necaxa's dominant reign in Mexican football, but their legacy continued to inspire generations of footballers.
Rebuilding and Resurgence
In the following decades, Necaxa experienced ups and downs as the team sought to rebuild its identity. Despite enduring challenging periods, the club remained a prominent fixture in Mexican football, often competing at the highest level. During the 1990s, the team saw a resurgence under coach Manuel Lapuente, achieving significant milestones and attracting a new generation of supporters.
In the early 2000s, Necaxa experienced a remarkable renaissance that brought back memories of its illustrious past. Under the guidance of coach Raúl Arias, the team claimed the 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 Primera División championships, showcasing the resilience and determination that defined the club throughout its history. Star players like Agustín Delgado and Alex Aguinaga played pivotal roles during this era, cementing their places as club legends.
Modern Day
In recent years, Club Necaxa has navigated through various challenges both on and off the field. Financial constraints and changes in ownership have presented obstacles, but the spirit of the club and its fans have endured. The team's home games are played at Estadio Victoria, located in Aguascalientes, largely considered to be the first modern stadium built in Mexico.
The club moved to Aguascalientes in 2003, relocating from Mexico City in an attempt to revitalize their supporter base. Unfortunately, struggles on the field soon followed, as they suffered relegation to the second tier in 2009/10. They fought their way back to the first tier following the 2015/16 season and have solidified themselves there since.
In 2021, the club was purchased by a new star-studded ownership group which included includes legendary German international player Mesut Özil, actress Eva Longoria, former NBA player Shawn Marion, MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, and model Kate Upton.
Part of the club’s endeavor to reach fans in the United States led them to be the first top-flight team to join the The Soccer Tournament (TST), $1 million, winner-take-all, 7v7 world championship which was hosted in Cary, North Carolina.
Club Necaxa's journey is a testament to the enduring power of football as a unifying force. From its early beginnings in the 1920s to its modern-day endeavors, the club's legacy has transcended generations and solidified its place in Mexican football lore. As Necaxa continues to evolve and face new challenges, its spirit, history, and the passion of its devoted fans remain the bedrock of this historic football institution.
This Saturday, July 29th, at 7:30 pm, Charlotte FC is poised to make history as they host and compete against a Liga MX opponent for the very first time. The night promises to be filled with excitement and significance for both clubs and their fans.
2023 LEAGUES CUP TICKETS
Charlotte FC vs Necaxa hosted at Bank of America Stadium is officially set for July 29th. Tickets for the revamped competition between Major League Soccer and Liga MX are on sale now.
