Leagues Cup resumed after a day off on Monday and there was plenty of dramatic action around the grounds in the United States. Let’s dig into the proceedings.
What happened
Jul 30, 2024; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota United goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (97) celebrates with forward Tani Oluwaseyi (14) following the match against Necaxa at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Montréal got back to winning ways after a thumping matchday one loss to Orlando, seeing off Liga MX outfit San Luis thanks to a superb showing from newcomer Tom Pearce. The former Wigan man chipped in with a goal and an assist as Montréal took a big step towards qualification.
Meanwhile, Pachuca fought back to down New York Red Bulls in penalties, booking their spot in the round-of-32, and knocking the MLS side out of the tournament.
Austin remained hot by beating Liga MX giants Monterrey to earn qualification to the knockout rounds in stunning fashion. The second qualifying spot in the group will now come down to a showdown between Rayados and Pumas on the final matchday.
Over in the midwest, Minnesota put on a defensive display for the ages, fending off a Necaxa onslaught after the Loons went down to 10 men just 20 minutes into the affair.
Finally, LAFC pulled off a stunning comeback, erasing a two-goal deficit at the death to send the game to penalties, but ultimately fell in the shootout to Vancouver after misses from Kei Kamara and Mateusz Bogusz.
Goal of the night
Wow, oh wow! What a stunning way to kick off the affair for the Whitecaps.
Stat of the night
Well, what can we even say…?
The New York Red Bulls’ Leagues Cup campaign has ended before 13 teams’ has started.
— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) July 31, 2024
What this means
A host of teams booked their passage into the round-of-32, as Pachuca, Austin, and Toronto (without playing), moved onto the knockouts to join the awaiting Columbus Crew and Club América.
Meanwhile, Vancouver’s win in Los Angeles means top-spot in the group will come down the final day showdown between Vancouver and Tijuana.
What comes next
Leagues Cup returns on Wednesday with another slate of games. The biggest clash will take place in on the west coast, as San Jose take on LA Galaxy in a Cali Clásico after the Earthquakes shocked Chivas on penalties over the weekend.
© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports