El Rebaño makes its Leagues Cup debut this Thursday against New York Red Bulls

• Milito values Cowell’s speed and vertical play
• The striker has one goal in the Apertura 2025
• Milito says Cowell offers depth and creates space for midfielders

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  If Chivas have anything, it's forwards with Alan Pulido, Javier Hernández, and Armando González usually lining up at the position. But Argentine head coach Gabriel Milito has surprisingly chosen U.S. international Cade Cowell as the team’s No. 9 in recent matches, even though the former San Jose Earthquakes player is more accustomed to playing on the left wing.

  Ahead of Chivas’ Leagues Cup debut against the New York Red Bulls, Milito explained why he’s opted for Cowell over other players who are natural center forwards.

  "We have different types of strikers, and we've seen Cowell play a lot on the outside. Obviously, he’s dangerous one-on-one, especially when he’s out wide on the left, because when he cuts inside, he can shoot or assist. When we play him centrally, with a team like ours that combines and links up well, I like technically gifted players- and I believe we have many with those characteristics across different lines," he said.

  Milito pointed out Cowell's pace as a unique advantage to other forwards on the roster.

  "We have a lot of attacking options, and Cowell gives us depth with his speed. He stretches the opposing defense with his movement, and that creates a lot of space for our midfielders," he said. "I believe it’s important to have a player who attacks space and understands our midfielders well. That’s why Cowell is our center forward – because he gives us a lot of verticality, especially when teams play with a high line. We want to exploit his speed going into space. He can also play on the left, of course, and we’ll use him there too, but right now we have other options on that wing."

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  WHAT ERICK GUTIÉRREZ AND GABRIEL MILITO SAID

  Midfielder Erick Gutiérrez acknowledged the importance of the tournament, especially since Chivas haven't had positive results in previous editions:

  "In the past, we haven’t managed to advance to the next round. It’s a very important tournament that can give us a lot," Gutierrez said. "These tournaments are showcases. We’re in debt because we’re such an important club. We have to take on the responsibility of reaching the next stage. We’re in a good place emotionally, and starting with a win is crucial."

  Although several Liga MX coaches have expressed frustration over participating in the tournament, Gabriel Milito highlighted the potential benefits for Chivas if they have a good run:

  "The Leagues Cup is a very important tournament. It keeps evolving and growing. Both MLS and Liga MX are gaining global visibility. We’re crossing borders, and the level keeps rising," Milito said. "This Leagues Cup allows both leagues to compete against each other. We’re very aware that there’s a spot in the Champions Cup at stake, so that makes it extremely important for us."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Javier Hernández is not on the Chivas roster for the tournament as he recovers from a recent injury suffered during the warm-up of Matchday 1 against León. He’s currently not with the squad.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

  In addition to NYRB, Chivas will face Charlotte FC and Cincinnati as they look to advance to the next round of the tournament.