Matchday 1 of the Leagues Cup was the perfect stage for Major League Soccer (MLS) to make a strong statement and, through some lopsided scores, to demonstrate that its dominance over Liga MX is becoming increasingly overwhelming.
The MLS franchises displayed physical and tactical superiority that rendered several of Mexico’s most iconic teams ineffective, laying bare the severe shortcomings of a league that struggles as soon as it crosses the border.
Pumas’ “Walk in the Park” and the nightmares of Pachuca and Atlas
The biggest disaster was suffered by UNAM Pumas in North Carolina. Although they had emphatically declared beforehand that they “weren’t coming on a sightseeing trip” to the tournament, Charlotte FC made sure to give them a real thrashing with a decisive 3-0 victory. Goals by Brandt Bronico (27′), Archie Goodwin (50′), and a well-executed penalty kick by Tyger Smalls (78′) showcased the deficiencies of the Mexico City team.
In Ohio, the story was just as painful. Cincinnati FC came from behind to crush Pachuca 3-1. Although the team from Hidalgo struck first and got their hopes up with an early goal by A. Alcaraz in the 8th minute, the American response was overwhelming: Evander tied the game at the 18-minute mark, Bucha put them ahead at the 39-minute mark, and Mboma Dem sealed the victory at the 79-minute mark.
A few kilometers away, the Columbus Crew mercilessly ran roughshod over Atlas, handing them another 3-1 defeat. The home team dictated the pace with goals from César Rubalcaba (29′), Sean Zawadzki (45+1′), and Brais Méndez (71′). The Rojinegros showed little offensive threat, as their only goal came from an own goal by Zawadzki himself in the 59th minute.
Juárez: The Sole Survivor in the Eye of the Storm
Juárez provided a positive performance representing Liga MX. The border team played with authority and defeated Minnesota United 2-1 thanks to goals by Guilherme Castilho (24′) and Colombian Óscar Estupiñán (38′). The home team’s consolation goal was scored by Tomás Chancalay in the 34th minute.
Tigres managed a penalty shootout win to secure 2 points, as done so in Leagues Cup, following a 1-1 draw vs. Salt Lake. Jhojan Julio provided another spark for Liga MX, scoring Atlante’s goal in their 1-0 win over Vancouver.
What’s Next: Do-or-Die Wednesday
Alarm bells are already ringing loudly in the offices of Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation. If Mexican soccer doesn’t engage in some serious self-criticism, the title of “CONCACAF Giant” will change hands for good.
The chance to improve will come tonight, August 5, with the intense action of Matchday 2, where the pressure will be at its peak. The scheduled matchups are:
- Monterrey vs. Orlando City | 7:30 PM (ET)
- Inter Miami vs. San Luis | 7:30 PM (ET)
- Nashville vs. León | 8:30 PM (ET)
- Dallas vs. Querétaro | 8:30 PM (ET)
- Toluca vs. Seattle Sounders | 10:00 PM (ET)
- LAFC vs. Guadalajara | 10:30 PM (ET)
You can watch the Leagues Cup live on Apple TV, which streams all 62 tournament matches globally across the U.S. without blackouts.