The Leagues Cup group stage is now fading away within the rearview mirror as consideration turns to the knockout rounds. However, we should choose by means of the most important takeaways of the final two weeks of play.
The larger they’re the tougher they fall
Aug 3, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Pumas UNAM followers react after a objective was scored throughout the second half in opposition to CF Monterrey at Q2 Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports activities
The group stage was not type to a number of the greater golf equipment in North America. All of Monterrey, Chivas, and Atlanta United crashed out of the competitors, hardly placing up a combat.
Within the case of Monterrey, the Mexican giants barely managed to attain a objective, and after they had the prospect to earn qualification in a penalty-shootout, they missed their first three takes and crashed out.
The final Liga MX group standing within the 2023 Leagues Cup, Monterrey is likely one of the first Mexican golf equipment eradicated in 2024.
One factor is for sure, the dearth of additional time on high of bizarre journey patterns, sketchy climate, and peculiar crowds has been the right storm for a number of the areas massive boys to journey and fall earlier than the event even actually bought going.
Portland’s momentum carried over
Aug 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers ahead Santiago Moreno (30), defender Larrys Mabiala (33), ahead Mason Toye (23), midfielder David Ayala (24), ahead Antony (11) and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) have fun after beating the Colorado Rapids at Windfall Park. Necessary Credit score: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Timbers have been on a tear in the previous few months, with simply two losses since mid-Could. Whereas they struggled on the again within the opening months of the marketing campaign, Phil Neville seems to have discovered the precise stability of solidity and freedom for his attack-minded group.
The trio of Evander, Felipe Mora, and Jonathan Rodríguez has change into arguably the deadliest in Main League Soccer since they Cascadia membership clicked into gear. All three attackers have bagged double-digit objectives thus far this season.
This move from Evander!! Already is aware of what he’s going to do with the ball earlier than it involves him. Off the chest and full volley into area for Moreno. Subsequent degree. 👏🏻👏🏻
On the subject of Leagues Cup, the Timbers cruised to the highest of their group with a gutsy 2-1 win in opposition to León earlier than thumping Colorado 4-0. They could be flying below the radar, however there are few groups within the competitors that may wish to sq. off with the Timbers when they’re on this temper in a knockout tie.
Knockouts are the place Liga MX can shine
Aug 3, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Pumas UNAM watches penalty kicks after regulation in opposition to Monterrey at Q2 Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports activities
Liga MX golf equipment haven’t made their mark thus far on this version of Leagues Cup, with solely 4 of the 15 teams being topped by a group from Mexico.
With no residence video games, journey and lodging points, the percentages are stacked in opposition to the Liga MX golf equipment. Nonetheless, Concacaf Champions Cup has proven us lately that its in knockout ties the place the Liga MX can flex their muscular tissues on MLS a bit extra.
With greater budgets and due to this fact deeper squads, groups like Tigres, América, and Pachuca could have the ability to discover the additional 5% wanted to scrape by means of a tie on behind enemy strains.
All eyes on Membership América and Columbus Crew
Aug 3, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Membership America defender Sebastian Caceres (4) kicks the ball in opposition to Aston Villa throughout the second half at Soldier Subject. Necessary Credit score: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports activities
Columbus and América could not have been participated within the group stage, given free passage to the knockout rounds because of excellent showings of their respective 2023 campaigns, however they’ve been removed from idle.
Whereas Columbus took, and thumped, Premier League facet Aston Villa, América have been enjoying friendlies in opposition to a few of Europe’s big-boys as effectively.
There are sometimes conflicting views on wether groups who enter a event late even have a bonus. But you’ll be able to’t look previous both facet relating to potential favorites to win the entire event.
The draw has been comparatively favorable for either side as effectively. Columbus will tackle an ailing Sporting Kansas Metropolis, whereas América will sq. off with with Liga MX foes Atlas.
They could solely simply be becoming a member of the present, however you’ll almost definitely should get by means of these two elite sides if you’re going to take residence the trophy.
Seeding leaves rather a lot to be desired
Jul 20, 2024; Kansas Metropolis, Kansas, USA; Followers cheer after a objective by Sporting Kansas Metropolis ahead Willy Agada (not pictured) within the second half in opposition to St. Louis CITY SC at Kids’s Mercy Park. Necessary Credit score: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports activities
The knockout rounds are right here and the attracts have been made, however the matchup seeding has left loads of followers scratching their heads, and rightly so.
A lot to the shock of many supporters, the knockout spherical matchups had been determined by the respective groups’ performances final season, not within the ongoing event.
This has resulted in loads of groups who’ve carried out effectively within the group stage to be rewarded with more durable attracts than groups who solely managed to scrape into the knockout rounds.
The aforementioned Portland Timbers cruised to the highest of their group, however they are going to be compelled to journey to St. Louis for the round-of-32 showdown, regardless of St. Louis Metropolis ending second of their group.
Austin will win their group and in 2/3 situations, might be away. The Seeding stuff throughout the knockouts within the Leagues Cup needs to be modified; it didn’t make sense final yr and it doesn’t make sense now
Equally, Austin topped a maybe the hardest group within the event with Pumas and Monterrey, however they need to now journey to LAFC for the round-of-32, which can as effectively be a loss of life knell for Austin’s Leagues Cup marketing campaign.
This construction has begged the query, if run the danger of being punished for successful your group, what motivation does a group have for placing their finest foot ahead relating to group stage video games? Maybe it is some meals for thought because the event continues to evolve in simply its second full season.
Characteristic picture credit score:Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports activities