Rojas scores twice to lift Cruz Azul over Guadalajara

Joao Rojas scored on either side of the interval on Saturday as Cruz Azul topped Guadalajara by a 3-1 count in Liga MX action.

Looking to rebound from a 3-2 loss to league leaders Veracruz last week, Cruz Azul got off to a good start when Rojas opened the scoring in the 35th minute and his club took the one-goal edge into the locker room at the break.

In the second half, Rafael Lugo converted a penalty kick to bring Guadalajara level, but Rojas put Cruz Azul back in front with his second goal of the match 12 minutes from time.

Jeronimo Cevallos added an insurance goal seven minutes from time to secure three points for Cruz Azul, which sits in ninth place through five matches of the 2013-14 season. Guadalajara, meanwhile, had just one victory from its first four fixtures this season.

Elsewhere in Liga MX on Saturday, Francisco Rodriguez, Narciso Mina, Raul Jiminez and Andres Andrade all found the back of the net as America claimed a 4-2 victory over 10-man Atlante.

Alan Pulido netted a pair of first-half goals as Tigres managed a 3-1 win over 10-man Monterrey, while Fernando Cavenaghi and Vicente Vuoso exchanged second- half goals as Atlas and Pachuca played to a 1-1 draw. Leon and Morelia closed out Saturday's slate with a scoreless draw.

On Sunday, Veracruz played to a goalless draw with Puebla, but remained at the top of the table, one point ahead of Morelia, while Toluca and Santos battled to a 2-2 stalemate.

Friday's action saw Carlos Ochoa convert a penalty kick in second-half stoppage time to save a point for Jaguares in a 1-1 draw with Queretaro, while Fidel Tenorio and Raul Arambula scored for Tijuana in a 2-0 win over Pumas.