Jader Obrian and Dani Pereira scored pivotal second-half goals to propel Austin FC to a 2-0 victory over Monterrey on Tuesday, securing their spot in the knockout phase of the Leagues Cup. Colombian winger Obrian found the net in the 61st minute, followed by Venezuelan midfielder Pereira's insurance goal in the 79th, marking a successful group stage run for Austin, which began with a 3-2 win over Pumas in their three-team group. This triumph advanced Austin into the last 32 of the competition, previously won by Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami.
In another match, ten-man Minnesota United kept their tournament hopes alive with a 1-0 home victory over Necaxa. Finnish midfielder Robin Lod scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, and the team managed to hold on for the win despite Hugo Bacharach's red card in the 20th minute. Minnesota had previously lost their group opener 2-0 to Seattle, making this victory crucial for their progression.
Host Montreal edged Atletico San Luis 3-2, avoiding elimination after a 4-1 defeat in their group opener against Orlando. English defender Tom Pearce opened the scoring for Montreal in the 17th minute, followed by Matias Coccaro's goal in the 27th minute. Despite Coccaro's missed penalty in the 37th minute, Montreal maintained a 2-0 lead at halftime. The second half saw Ivory Coast forward Franck Boli score a penalty in the 77th minute, with Nigerian striker Sunusi Ibrahim responding for Montreal in the 82nd. Mexico's Jurgen Damm scored a late penalty to narrow the final margin.
In other action, Pachuca, the CONCACAF Champions Cup winner, defeated the New York Red Bulls 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Brazilian striker Elias Manoel gave New York the lead in the 47th minute, but Venezuelan captain Salomon Rondon equalized for Pachuca in the 56th. The Red Bulls had also lost their group opener to Toronto on penalties. Additionally, the Cup disciplinary committee handed a four-game ban to Club Tijuana coach Juan Carlos Osorio for abusive and violent conduct towards referees after receiving a red card during a 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC. Tijuana will play their final group match on Saturday against Vancouver.
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