Story & Photos by Shawn Payne
Match Date: June 23, 2026 | Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland | International Friendly
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Annapolis Blues FC welcomed Liga MX side Santos Laguna to Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on June 23 for an international friendly that gave the home side a rare opportunity to test itself against established professional opposition from Mexico.
The occasion carried a different feel from a typical league night in Annapolis. Santos brought the experience and pedigree of a top-flight Mexican club, while the Blues stepped onto their home field with the chance to measure themselves against a team accustomed to a higher professional level. The contrast in backgrounds gave the match an added sense of occasion before the opening whistle.
Santos struck first in the opening half when Diego González put the visitors in front, giving the Mexican side a 1–0 advantage. The visitors had an opportunity to extend the lead before halftime from the penalty spot, but the chance went unfinished and Annapolis remained within a goal at the break.
Annapolis continued to compete after halftime, working to stay organized against a Santos side that was comfortable moving the ball and looking for openings. The Blues were forced into repeated defensive challenges while still searching for opportunities to push forward and create something of their own.
Santos eventually found the second goal through Lucas Di Yorio, giving the visitors a 2–0 advantage and putting the match beyond the Blues. The final score reflected Santos’ greater efficiency in front of goal, but the night offered Annapolis something different from its regular-season schedule: a chance to share the field with Liga MX opposition in front of its home supporters.
For Annapolis, the value of the evening extended beyond the result. International friendlies provide a different type of test, and the matchup with Santos brought another high-profile soccer event to Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium while giving the Blues and their supporters a look at competition from outside the American league system.
