Atlas FC is one of just two LIGA MX teams to beat an MLS opponent in the 2024 Leagues Cup thus far and they have another American adversary in their crosshairs on Thursday night when they travel to Utah to take on one of the best Real Salt Lake squads we’ve seen in years.
RSL’s attack will be hindered by the suspension of MLS Golden Boot leader Cristian “Chicho” Arango but the Claret and Cobalt will still pose a serious danger down the flanks.
Fellow Colombian Andrés Gómez is having the best season of his young career with 13 goals and nine assists alongside creative winger Diego Luna — who replaced Arango on the 2024 MLS All-Star roster after being snubbed from the United States Olympic team — producing five goals and 12 assists himself.
Similarly, Los Zorros find goals through striker Eduardo Aguirre while being aided by contributions from on-loan wingers Raymundo Fulgencio and Jhon Murillo.
Often coming off the bench to add a clutch goal contribution is José “Rivaldo” Lozano — who did exactly that in Atlas’ tournament opener with a stunning 83rd-minute curler to snatch all three points in Houston.
Both teams also boast quality center back pairings, making them difficult to beat, and helping lead to the strong form of each entering Thursday’s match.
Currently in third place in the MLS Western Conference, RSL led the way for much of the season as they continue to show the team’s impressive stamina to keep pace with the duo from Los Angeles.
Rojinegros, further strengthened at the back by their longtime Colombian international goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, enters America First Field unbeaten in their first five games of the season (three wins) as they attempt to change their fortunes following a disappointing 2023/24 LIGA MX campaign.
The inaugural Leagues Cup provided both with a blueprint for success that they will hope to build on in year two. Atlas could replicate their 2023 six-point group stage with a win in Salt Lake but more importantly, by doing so they aim to give themselves the best chance to win their first Leagues Cup knockout match in the Round of 32, should they advance.
On the other hand, RSL reached the quarterfinals last season and now hopes to ride their MLS form to trophy contention as they begin their Leagues Cup journey.
Regardless, both teams have the opportunity to secure advancement to the knockout stages as a single point will be enough for Atlas while Real Salt Lake requires the full three points in their opening match of the tournament.
