The League Cup, a competition between Major League Soccer (MLS) and La Liga MX, is set to begin on Tuesday. The Columbus Crew, the defending champions, are entering this year’s tournament, which features some new changes, including a format that consists of 18 teams from MLS and 18 from La Liga MX separated into distinct groups.
Taking place from July 29 to August 31, the tournament will pause for the first phase of league play in MLS and resume on August 9. This guide covers essential information about the tournament structure.
Action Overview
Though the MLS season is approaching the final stretch with teams having about 10 to 13 matches left, clubs are now engaged in this new cup competition. The congested schedule is a concern, and players like Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have opted out of the All-Star Game for extra rest. The tournament sees teams like the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC also competing as they juggle multiple cup competitions this season. As MLS manages a busy schedule, many teams are involved in only two tournaments, yet they face the challenge of potential knockout stages as they vie for playoff positions.
The knockout stage will be more exclusive, limiting participation to just 18 MLS teams. Phase 1 will be critical, with elimination at stake in every match.
League Cup Format
- Group Stage Participation: Only MLS clubs will compete against their La Liga MX counterparts during this phase.
- Advancing to Knockouts: Matches will feature teams from both leagues, and the top four from each league will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 19-20. A team could win all its group matches but still miss out on knockout stages based on goal differentials, making each score critical.
- Resolving Ties: Matches that end in a draw will head to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Winning in regulation earns three points, while a draw gives one point, and a penalty shootout victory provides two points.
New Features of the Tournament
The League Cup now has a more exclusive feel, requiring only the top nine teams from each MLS meeting to compete alongside the 18 Liga MX teams. This setup makes advancing to the knockout rounds even tougher, as only the top four teams from each table qualify for the quarterfinals. Each match throughout the event will hold significance, ensuring excitement from day one. Notably, expansion team San Diego FC will make its League Cup debut this season after just joining MLS.
San Diego FC’s Participation
Not every MLS team will take part; qualification is determined by league standings, requiring teams to be among the top nine of their respective meetings. For instance, the Vancouver Whitecaps are also competing as they participated in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship, aiming for a solid start in the Western MLS.
Watching Inter Miami vs. Atlas
- Date: Saturday, August 30
- Time: 7 PM
- Venue: Chase Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live Stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -209; Draw +425; Atlas +400
League Cup Standings
Group A
- Columbus Crew – 4 points
- Seattle Sounders – 3 points
- Portland Timbers – 3 points
- LA Galaxy – 3 points
- Minnesota United – 3 points
- FC Cincinnati – 3 points
- Inter Miami – 3 points
- Colorado Rapids – 3 points
- New York Red Bulls – 3 points
- New York City FC – 3 points
- Los Angeles FC – 3 points
- Real Salt Lake – 2 points
- CF Montreal – 2 points
- Orlando City SC – 1 point
- San Diego FC – 0 points
- Atlanta United – 0 points
- Charlotte FC – 0 points
- Houston Dynamo – 0 points
Group B
- Tigres UANL – 6 points
- Mazatlán – 5 points
- Toros – 5 points
- Pachuca – 4 points
- Juárez – 3 points
- Necaxa – 3 points
- Puebla – 2 points
- Pumas UNAM – 2 points
- Club América – 1 point
- Club León – 1 point
- Monterrey – 0 points
- Atlas – 0 points
- Santos Laguna – 0 points
- Chivas Guadalajara – 0 points
- Club Tijuana – 0 points
- Querétaro – 0 points
- San Luis – 0 points
- Cruz Azul – 0 points
Upcoming Matches
- July 29: Various matches kick off the tournament.
- August 31: The tournament concludes with the 3rd place and final matches.
Knockout Phase Schedule
- Phase 1: July 29 – August 7
- Quarterfinals: August 19-20
- Semi-finals: August 26-27
- 3rd Place Match: August 31
- Final: August 31
Tiebreaking Criteria
In case of tied points, the following criteria will be used:
- Wins in regulation
- Goal difference
- Most goals scored
- Fewest goals allowed
- Fair play points (yellow/red cards)
- Draws determined by the League Cup
Fan Take
This tournament is pivotal for soccer fans as it brings together top teams from two major leagues, enhancing the competitive spirit and showcasing the growing talent in North American soccer. The unique format and increased stakes promise thrilling matches that could elevate the sport’s profile in the region.
