The ultimate part of the group stage on this summer season’s Leagues Cup is right here and is there a lot to play for throughout all the teams. Let’s dig into how issues may shake out.
Key video games on matchday three
Jul 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Tigres UANL defender Diego Reyes (13) celebrates his aim in opposition to Puebla within the second half at Shell Power Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports activities
There is just one place to start out in terms of the must-watch video games on the ultimate matchday of the Leagues Cup group stage, and that is in Miami the place Tata Martino’s aspect will tackle Liga MX big-boys Tigres for high spot in East Group 3.
We have now an identical showdown in Philadelphia as one other Mexican large will look to show round a poor begin. Cruz Azul ought to have been the betting favorites to emerge from Group 4 within the east, however they head right into a conflict with Philadelphia by which a loss would imply elimination, and a win would imply topping the group. Lots to play for!
Out west, every thing is up for grabs in Group 2. After a late win in San Jose to kick off their match, the Galaxy will sq. off with Chivas in a star-studded affair that may resolve the destiny of the group. Like Cruz Azul earlier than them, a loss would imply heading residence, whereas accumulating all three factors would launch Fernando Gago’s aspect to the summit and into the knockout rounds.
Lastly, all eyes should be on West Group 8, the place simply three factors separate Actual Salt Lake on the high and Houston on the backside. These two MLS foes will sq. off and if the Dynamo beat Salt Lake on Monday night time, all three groups within the group will all end on three factors. Then it comes right down to tiebreakers beginning with everyone’s favourite: aim distinction.
Participant to look at on matchday three
Cade Cowell was pure field workplace in Chivas’ opening night time showdown with San Jose, and never all the time for the appropriate causes. The USA worldwide is changing into the Adama Traore of North American displaying off a mix of supreme energy, tempo, dribbling potential to create complete havoc for opposition defenders, however the closing product leaves a lot to be desired.
Towards the Galaxy on Sunday, not solely does Cowell have the chance to proper the wrongs of final week’s missed penalty in opposition to his previous crew, however he can doubtlessly lead Chivas to the summit of West Group 2 to tug off an escape after the shock in Santa Clara.