Leon's exit from the first round of the CONCACAF Champions League feels very symbolic for the current state of the team. The Liga MX squad was able to secure a win last weekend against Veracruz, but the victory is just one of three so far this season.
The team is a mere shadow of what it once was during the Clausura and failed to gain a much-needed three points against Herediano this Wednesday in the Champions League. Los Esmeraldas have floundered since the departure of star defender Rafael Marquez and are in dire need of a wake-up call.
Their win against Veracruz appeared to be a step in the right direction, but their midweek performance may have set them back once again.
Pachuca, on the other hand, defeated Guatemala's Municipal 4-1 on Wednesday and are now the undisputed leaders of Group 1 after just three matches. Pachuca are undefeated so far in the Champions League and have scored a total of 15 goals during that time.
It should also be noted that striker Ariel Nahuelpan is currently tied for second on the list of top goal-scorers this tournament with four to his name.
Let's check in with the rest of the scores from this week's Champions League action:
Sporting Kansas City gained its second Champions League win in a row after beating Real Esteli 3-0 on Tuesday. Sporting now have the temporary lead in Group 2 and only need a tie or win against Saprissa next month in order to guarantee a spot in the Championship Stage.
The Portland Timbers had no trouble at all against Alpha United. The MLS side dominated the match and easily won 6-0 on Tuesday. Portland has now scored at least four goals in every Champions League group stage game. Like Sporting, Portland only need a tie or a win in order to make it into the next round.
D.C. United defeated Tauro 2-0 on Wednesday, which secured a place in the next round for the MLS team. The Washington squad has been very impressive and only allowed one goal to be scored against themselves so far in the group stage. D.C. United will play Tauro once more, but Tauro will have the home-field advantage during the match next month.
C.D. FAS embarrassed the New York Red Bulls and held them to a scoreless draw on Wednesday. The Red Bulls are now officially knocked out of the race for first place in Group 3 and will play somewhat of a consolation match in October against the Montreal Impact.
Puerto Rico's Bayamon F.C. finished their respective group with a 2-0 loss to Comunicaciones at home. Comunicaciones can still sneak into first place of Group 8, but must defeat a dominant Club America in Mexico City next month.
Alajuelense are now in first place of Group 6 after stealing another point away from home in their 1-1 match against Chorrillo. Next month's game between Cruz Azul and Alajuelense in Costa Rica might prove to be one of the most exciting in the group stage. The winner of the match will advance to the next round, but Alajuelense will stay make it into the next stage with just a tie.