Santos Laguna kicked off their 2026 preseason with a composed 2-0 victory over Annapolis Blues in an international club friendly played on June 24, 2026. The Mexican Liga MX side displayed superior organization and attacking efficiency, while the American lower-league outfit proved stubborn but ultimately unable to break through a well-drilled visiting defense.

Match Overview

Played in front of an engaged crowd at a neutral venue (the fixture was part of a summer tour for Santos), the match served as a valuable test for both teams. Annapolis Blues, a competitive side in the National Premier Soccer League, were looking to measure themselves against professional opposition. Santos Laguna, led by their experienced coaching staff, used the encounter to build match fitness and integrate new signings into their system.

The game began at a measured pace, with Santos controlling possession through midfield. Annapolis dropped into a compact defensive shape, aiming to frustrate the Mexican club and hit on the counter. The strategy worked for the opening half-hour until a moment of individual quality broke the deadlock.

Key Moments

• First half breakthrough: In the 34th minute, Santos Laguna winger Javier Moreno cut inside from the left flank and curled a precise right-footed shot into the far corner, leaving the Annapolis goalkeeper with no chance. The goal highlighted the technical gap between the two sides.
• Second half insurance: Santos doubled their lead in the 67th minute after a well-worked set-piece routine. A short corner was played to the edge of the box, where midfielder Carlos Vela (no relation to the LAFC star) struck a low drive that deflected off a defender and nestled into the net.
• Annapolis resistance: The Blues created their best chance in the 81st minute when striker Michael Thompson forced a sharp save from Santos backup goalkeeper Emilio Rojas. It was the closest the home side came to pulling one back.

Tactical Analysis

Santos Laguna employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick width switches and overlapping full-backs to stretch the Annapolis defense. Their high press caused several turnovers in the final third, but they were occasionally caught out by speedy counter-attacks from the Blues. Annapolis played in a 4-4-2, often dropping into a low block when out of possession. They showed discipline but lacked the technical precision to sustain attacks against a taller, stronger Santos backline.

Standout Performers

• Javier Moreno (Santos Laguna): The 22-year-old winger was a constant threat on the left, scoring the opener and providing the assist for the second goal. His dribbling and composure stood out.
• Emilio Rojas (Santos Laguna): The substitute goalkeeper made a crucial late save to preserve the clean sheet, showing sharp reflexes in his first outing of the summer.
• Michael Thompson (Annapolis Blues): The forward worked tirelessly alone up front, winning aerial duels and linking play. His effort on goal was the Blues' most dangerous moment.

Implications & Outlook

For Santos Laguna, this friendly marks a solid start to their preseason preparations ahead of the upcoming Apertura 2026 campaign in Liga MX. The clean sheet and two well-taken goals will boost confidence as they face tougher opposition in subsequent tour matches. Annapolis Blues, meanwhile, can take heart from a resilient defensive display for long stretches. The experience of facing a top-tier Mexican side will prove invaluable as they push for a strong showing in the NPSL playoffs later in the summer.

The match also provided a rare cross-border encounter that delighted neutrals and underlined the growing links between American and Mexican football. Both teams are expected to continue their preseason schedules with further friendlies in the coming weeks.