Overview of the Leagues Cup Opening Matches
The inaugural matches of the Leagues Cup, a competition featuring 36 teams from Mexico’s Liga MX and Major League Soccer (MLS) in US and Canadian stadiums, took place on Tuesday. The event showcases the best of both leagues and aims to determine a representative for the 2026 Concacaf Champions League.
Toluca vs. Columbus Crew
In Ohio, Toluca, the reigning Liga MX champions and recent Campeón de Campeones (Champions of Champions), faced off against Columbus Crew. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after regulation time.
- First Half: Columbus took the lead in the 11th minute when Diego Rossi converted a penalty kick, sending the ball into the bottom left corner.
- Second Half: Toluca’s Portuguese striker Paulinho scored twice, first in the 48th minute with a close-range finish and then with a header in the 80th minute to secure a 2-2 draw.
After the match ended in a draw, the teams proceeded to a penalty shootout. Toluca emerged victorious 4-2, with goals from Alexis Vega, Luan Garcia, Helinho, and Jesús Gallardo. Columbus’ Bruno Méndez was the only player to miss his attempt.
New York vs. Puebla
In Montreal, CF Montreal played to a 1-1 draw with León before winning 7-6 on penalties. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Puebla thrashed New York 3-0.
- New York vs. Puebla: Puebla took an early lead with a goal from Argentine defender Juan Manuel Fedorco in the 2nd minute. Emiliano Gómez added a second goal in the 38th minute, and Owen González sealed the victory with a late goal in the 88th minute.
- New York vs. León: Rogelio Funes Mori gave León the lead in the 11th minute with an assist from James Rodríguez. Prince Osei Owusu equalized for New York in the 62nd minute, but neither team scored in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. León’s Sebastián Santos missed his attempt, while New York failed to convert any of their first three penalties.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Leagues Cup? The Leagues Cup is a new competition featuring teams from Mexico’s Liga MX and the MLS. It aims to determine a representative for the 2026 Concacaf Champions League along with the subchampion and third-place team.
- Why is the tournament unique regarding draws? Unlike most football competitions, a draw in the Leagues Cup leads to a penalty shootout, where the winning team earns an additional point.
- Who are the key players mentioned?
- Paulinho (Toluca) – Scored twice in the match against Columbus Crew, including the equalizer and the eventual winner in penalties.
- Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew) – Scored the opening goal from the penalty spot.
- Juan Manuel Fedorco (Puebla) – Scored the opening goal against New York.
- Emiliano Gómez (Puebla) – Added a second goal against New York.
- Owen González (Puebla) – Secured the victory with a late goal against New York.
- James Rodríguez (León) – Provided the assist for León’s opening goal against New York.
