Seven Leagues Cup games were on the schedule Sunday evening as more teams looked to cement their place in the Round of 32. Here is a recap of all the drama.
What happened
The first match of the night saw a dull 0-0 draw between Atlanta United and Santos Laguna, which forced the match to penalties. The MLS side failed once again and subsequently bowed out to a club without a win in 12 consecutive games.
Three other games went to penalties but didn’t have as much at stake. Ten-man Orlando City scored first in a 1-1 draw with San Luis before winning on spot kicks for first in the group.
Philadelphia Union’s usual hero, Dániel Gazdag, scored an 88th-minute equalizer (their only shot on target) but then missed his penalty as Cruz Azul converted all five after a 1-1 draw.
A third Liga MX side in FC Juárez also won on penalties (4-1) after fighting back in a thriller against St. Louis for a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, one of the only winners in regulation time saw Toronto FC earn their first ever Leagues Cup victory after a 2-1 win over Pachuca. Kobe Franklin’s first goal for the club proved decisive.
The late matches then featured the blockbuster showing as Chivas and LA Galaxy went head to head. One Chicharito was denied his return due to an injury in warm-up.
The MLS side thought they had pulled off a 2-1 comeback until Cade Cowell equalized in the 91st minute. Chivas eventually crashed out on penalties.
Finally, three unanswered goals saw Necaxa steal the top spot from Seattle Sounders following a 3-1 result. It’s just the third loss for the MLS side in 15 matches at Lumen Field this year.
Moment of the night
This brilliant team move from LA Galaxy earns this award. A backheel flick in the build-up and a visionary through ball from Riqui Puig? Perfecto.
Honourable mention to Lorenzo Insigne for also masterminding a brilliant goal for TFC.
Player of the night
Plenty of stars were at their best on Sunday, but the honour goes to Pedro Gallese. The goalkeeper faced 23 shots and made a save in the shootout to help 10-man Orlando prevail.
Aug 4, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (1) saves a penalty kick against the Atletico de San Luis tie breaker during the Leagues Cup group stage at INTER&CO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
What this means
After eliminating Atlanta United, Santos moved on alongside D.C United and will face the eventual winner of Group East…