In a match where the intensity ratcheted up as the minutes ticked away, Toluca FC outlasted Sporting Kansas City with a thrilling 2-1 victory to clinch Group West 4 in the 2024 Leagues Cup. By taking the maximum points in group play, Toluca have gone six games without a loss to start their season. The win at Children’s Mercy Park made another statement declaring that Los Diablos Rojos are not only one of the hottest teams in the tournament, but also favorites to lift the Leagues Cup.
For the better part of the first half, both teams played cautiously, not committing any extra numbers to the attack. They each generated chances but seemed content to wait for either the perfect moment to commit the extra player in the final third or the other side to make a mistake. Both happened to set up scores.
In the 40th minute, Toluca holding midfielder Marcel Ruiz committed to the attack, found Jesús Gallardo on the left flank who centered to Jesus “Canelo” Angulo. Angulo danced around three defenders to find an opening and then fired a worm-burner into the bottom far corner for the 1-0 lead.
In the first minute of stoppage SKC pounced on a loose Toluca pass. KC winger Stephen Afrifa, who had earlier sent an inch perfect cross that Willy Agada narrowly missed redirecting toward goal, saw all passing lanes closed, so he fired away from distance. The ball crashed against the crossbar and bounced into the net for the equalizer.
SKC kept up the pressure to start the second half and should have taken the lead just two minutes in when Johnny Rusell crossed to a wide open Agada in front of goal. Unfortunately for Sporting, his shot fluttered over the bar.
In the 66th minute, Marcel Ruiz added to his sterling tournament performance with a floating pass that wingback Brian Garcia headed back toward the goalmouth. Half time substitute Maxi Araujo was there to steer the ball goalward for the 2-1 lead. It was one of the prettier goals of the tournament so far.
Desperate to get the equalizer, SKC threw all the ribs in the smoker and committed extra bodies to the attack. Los diablos were content to absorb and unleash counters where they actually came closer to scoring than Kansas City did. In a frantic stoppage time, however, SKC did manage to put a couple of chances on frame, but goalie Tiago Volpi denied them all.
With the win, Toluca will now head to Houston to face the Dynamo, who emphatically fought off elimination with a 3-0 win at home to Real Sal Lake. Despite the loss, SKC will also advance, but will switch brackets to face Columbus. Both matches will take place on August 9.
