Inter Miami CF became the first club to punch a ticket into the round of 32 from the group stage following a 4-0 win over Atlanta United. The team also won the group, which means they get to host the winner of South Group 2 on August 2nd. They will know who their opponent is following the result between Club Santos Laguna and Orlando City SC on Saturday, July 29th.
The addition of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets instantly made Inter Miami one of the favorites to lift the Leagues Cup trophy. The team has looked the part in its first two matches. The club opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul. In his debut with Inter Miami CF, Messi scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to secure his club three points.
In their second match, Messi shined again, scoring two goals and adding an assist en route to a 4-0 win over Atlanta United.
Mazaltan FC also advanced to the round of 32 and clinched their group following a 1-1 draw, and a win in PKs, against FC Juarez. The final match of the Group 1 South stage between FC Juarez and Austin FC will determine second place in the group.
Mazatlan FC didn’t need much to make their way to the knockout round. After falling behind 1-0 due to an own goal, forward Aké Loba made it 1-1 in the 49th minute. After holding on for an additional half hour, Mazatlan FC earned the extra point and the top of the group with a 4-2 in PKs.
FC Dallas took advantage of a Necaxa FC red card in the 11th minute and walked away with a 3-0 win that sent them to the round of 32. The team must wait for the result between Charlotte FC and Necaxa FC on Saturday, July 29th, to find out if they will finish first or second in the group.
FC Dallas was powered by goals from Sebastian Lletget (24th minutes), Eugene Ansah (62nd minutes), and Jesus Ferreira (73rd minute). FC Dallas has now scored five goals in their two Leagues Cup 2023 matches.
