Chivas, Rayados, Cruz Azul out for redemption in Leagues Cup | OneFootball

MIAMI – The Leagues Cup 2025 continues with six matches on Sunday in Phase One of the Concacaf-sanctioned competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, as they battle for the crown and three spots in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

FC Cincinnati vs. FC Juárez

FC Cincy take on Bravos de Juárez at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Led by Evander, who scored a goal and supplied two assists, the MLS side won 3-2 against Monterrey to kick off their campaign. The Brazilian is in great form and the motor for the team around players like Luca Orellano and Pavel Bucha.

Juárez delivered a stout performance as well, racking up four goals in a convincing win behind a brace from Madson.

This one will be a battle between Brazilian playmakers on each side that have all to play for in a pivotal encounter.

CD Guadalajara vs. Charlotte FC

Chivas will clash with Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

Both teams suffered defeat in their opening matches, so they are scrapping to keep tournament hopes alive.

Guadalajara conceded a free kick goal in stoppage time in the closing moments of its match with New York Red Bulls. The 12-time Liga MX champions dominated possession but only managed four shots on goal. They’ll need more production from players like Alan Pulido and Roberto Alvarado.

Charlotte is in a tough spot after conceding four goals and losing their lone scorer Idan Toklomati to a red card. They need a big response or it’ll be a second straight year of disappointment in Leagues Cup after failing to make it out of group play in the 2024 edition.

CF Monterrey vs. New York Red Bulls

Rayados will battle the Red Bulls at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Mexican club, which was a semifinalist in the 2023 tournament, is on the hunt to make a statement after dropping their opener.

Big names like Sergio Ramos, Germán Berterame and Sergio Canales put the pressure on Monterrey to be a contender in this edition, and they now desperately need points to do keep their Knockout Round chances alive.

The Red Bulls turned to Emil Forsberg in attack, who blasted a last-gasp free kick to grant them three points.

Colorado Rapids vs. Club Tijuana

The Rapids will host Tijuana at Dick’s Sporting Good Park in Commerce City, Colorado, USA.

Colorado got off to a good start thanks to a Rafael Navarro brace in the opening win. But based on high-scoring efforts from other MLS teams, the Rapids remain out of the top four spots.

The MLS side was the surprise of last year’s Leagues Cup, making a Cinderella run all the way to the semifinals.

Xolos needs points after losing their opener. Teenage sensation Gilberto Mora scored twice but it wasn’t enough for Tijuana, who conceded five goals.

Tijuana has failed to win a single game in the previous two editions of the tournament.

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Santos Laguna

The Seattle Sounders take on Santos Laguna at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, USA.

The Sounders made the biggest statement of Phase One so far with an astonishing 7-nil rout of 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup winners Cruz Azul.

Pedro de la Vega’s hat trick led the way in what was the largest margin of victory in Leagues Cup history. The offensive onslaught has the MLS side in a great position to advance and hope for a deep run after reaching the quarterfinals in the 2024 edition.

It’s not a great situation for Santos Laguna facing the highest-scoring team without their starting keeper as Carlos Acevedo will miss the encounter due to a red card.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Cruz Azul

The Galaxy will host Cruz Azul at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, USA.

The reigning MLS Cup champions, despite bad league form, tapped back into last year’s form and scored five goals. Joseph Paintsil scored a brace while Gabriel Pec and Marco Reus also got on the scoresheet.

It was the same elite counterattacking soccer and show of speed that led the Galaxy to their sixth MLS Cup on display.

Cruz Azul is stuck looking for answers after their disappointing debut. They only managed two shots on goal as keeper Kevin Mier suffered all night. It’s a must-win situation for the Mexican side against a squad that might’ve just been injected with fresh energy.