Atlas FC is eager to bounce back in the upcoming Leagues Cup 2023 after their disappointing exit from the 2023 Concacaf Champions League. The team suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Leagues Cup allows Atlas FC to go deeper in an international tournament and show that their squad is superior to an MLS club. The team is off to a good start domestically. They'll look to end their next two matches on a positive note and head into Leagues Cup with positive momentum and a chip on their shoulder.
How does Atlas come into the Leagues Cup?
Atlas kicked off their 2023 LIGA MX Apertura season in impressive fashion, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul. As their Liga MX campaign continues, Atlas will face tough challenges in the form of CF Monterrey and Santos Laguna in their upcoming fixtures.
These next two opponents will help prepare the Red and Blacks for Leagues Cup. The LIGA MX season will soon pause to make way for the highly anticipated Leagues Cup. Atlas will be in the East 3 group with New York City Football Club and Toronto FC, with their first game on July 23.
Camilo Vargas is the shot-stopper MLS clubs will need to beat
Atlas FC's back-to-back league titles in the 2021 Apertura and 2022 Clausura seasons were with Vargas ensuring that no LIGA MX opponents' shots ended up in his net. The Colombian is off to a good start this Apertura season as he registered a clean sheet against Cruz Azul on Matchday 1.
Vargas has been a critical figure for the Mexican club, displaying exceptional shot-stopping abilities and a commanding presence in goal. The 34-year-old from Bogota has experience and leadership qualities that make him an invaluable asset for Atlas for this tournament.
Jeremy Márquez, Atlas FC's youth product and a key figure in the midfield
As Atlas FC prepares for the highly anticipated 2023 Leagues Cup, one young player to watch is Jeremy Márquez, who made his first team debut in 2020. The midfielder recently turned 23 and at a young age, was part of the teams that won back-to-back Liga MX titles.
Atlas FC youth product has a lot of potential, which is why he broke through at a young age. He has gradually earned the trust of former Atlas FC manager Diego Cocca to be part of a team that was challenging for trophies.
Márquez reportedly has interest from Europe in the past, and perhaps with many eyes on this tournament in the United States, the midfield will put forth a quality Leagues Cup performance to generate more buzz from European clubs as he's at the perfect age to make the jump to the old continent.
