Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Uriel Antuna scored twice as Pumas began the Esteban Solari era with a 3-0 pre-season friendly win over Cancún FC at the Estadio Andrés Quintana Roo.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Pumas controlled possession from the opening whistle but found Cancún goalkeeper Edson Arce in inspired form. The home shot-stopper made several sharp saves during the first half-hour to keep the scoreline level.
The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute. Kléber Carranza collected the ball inside the box and finished with composure past Arce to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.
Cancún emerged with more intent after half-time and created several half-chances, but Arce could do little about the second goal. In the 65th minute, Uriel Antuna raced through one-on-one with the Cancún keeper and slotted home to double Pumas' advantage.
Cancún made a goalkeeper change at the 71st minute, bringing on Erick Montiel for Arce, but the damage was already done. Antuna sealed the victory in the 85th minute with a well-taken strike — his second of the night — to make it 3-0.
The turning point
Carranza's opener just before half-time changed the complexion of the match. Cancún had defended resolutely and held firm for 39 minutes, but conceding late in the first half forced the home side to chase the game after the restart, leaving space for Antuna to exploit on the counter-attack.
Key performers
Uriel Antuna (Pumas) — The winger was the match-winner with two clinical finishes, the first a composed one-on-one and the second a quality strike from inside the box. His pace and movement caused problems throughout.
Kléber Carranza (Pumas) — Scored the crucial opener and dictated play from midfield. His ability to arrive late in the box proved decisive.
Edson Arce (Cancún) — Despite conceding three, the Cancún keeper made several important saves in the first half to keep his side in the contest before being substituted at 71 minutes.
Player of the match: Uriel Antuna.
By the numbers
As a pre-season friendly played behind closed doors for detailed statistics, the match served its primary purpose: Pumas generated sustained pressure through the flanks, particularly down Antuna's side, while Cancún's defensive organisation held until the final minutes of the first half. The 3-0 scoreline reflected a clear gap in quality between a Liga MX side preparing for the Apertura 2026 and a Liga de Expansión outfit building towards their own campaign.
What it means
For Pumas, this was the first match of the Solari era, and the result offers early encouragement. The Uruguayan coach, who took over ahead of the Apertura 2026, will have seen his team grow into the game, create chances, and finish clinically. Cancún, meanwhile, will take positives from a disciplined defensive display in the first half and the valuable minutes gained against top-flight opposition.
Pumas continue their pre-season schedule with further friendlies before the Apertura 2026 kicks off later in July. Cancún's preparation for the Liga de Expansión Apertura 2026 continues.
Verdict
A professional, controlled pre-season performance from Pumas under new management. The gulf in division was evident, but Solari will be pleased with the sharpness of his forwards and the clean sheet. Cancún competed well in spells and will benefit from the exercise, but lacked the quality in the final third to trouble a Liga MX defence.
Match details:
- Date: 5 July 2026
- Venue: Estadio Andrés Quintana Roo, Cancún
- Referee: Jorge Carlos Ortiz
- Goals: Kléber Carranza 39', Uriel Antuna 65', 85'
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 5 Jul 2026