Match Preview

MATCHDAY 9: Last Three Quarterfinal Spots Up For Grabs in Final Day of Phase One

MATCH BY MATCH

CINCINNATI FC vs CHIVAS DE GUADALAJARA (TQL Stadium, 7:00 p.m. ET)

FC Cincinnati will look to secure its best-ever finish in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday when it hosts Chivas de Guadalajara at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

With four points already earned, Pat Noonan’s side is aiming for a win to boost its chances of advancing to the Quarterfinals. Despite a favorable historical record against Chivas, the MLS club should remain cautious of the Liga MX powerhouse.

NEW YORK RED BULLS vs FC JUÁREZ (Sports Illustrated Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET)

FC Juárez has a solid shot at reaching the knockout round of the Leagues Cup, while the New York Red Bulls find themselves with longer odds but still in the race. Regardless, it's a must win situation for both sides when they meet in the final day of Phase One.

Expect Juarez to lean into their successful “road mentality” to contain a struggling Red Bulls side. New York will likely attempt to stay compact defensively and seek an early counter-attacking goal.

MONTERREY vs CHARLOTTE FC (Bank of America Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Charlotte FC concludes Phase One of the 2025 Leagues Cup on August 7, hosting Liga MX side CF Monterrey at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. With both teams already mathematically eliminated, the stakes are limited to pride.

A match once circled as a high-stakes clash on Matchday 3 will instead close out the group with both sides searching for answers rather than advancement.

Expect both head coaches — Dean Smith for Charlotte and Domènec Torrent for Monterrey — to rotate their squads heavily. With each club returning to domestic league action shortly after the tournament, managing workloads is a clear priority.

CRUZ AZUL vs COLORADO RAPIDS (Dignity Health Sports Park, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Another electric atmosphere is guaranteed at Dignity Health Sports Park on Thursday night in the first match of a doubleheader as reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners Cruz Azul take on Leagues Cup 2025 third-place finishers, Colorado Rapids.

Unlike Cruz Azul who have already been eliminated, the Rapids have more than pride to play for. Although the fate is not in their own hands, with a bit of help and a win on Sunday, Colorado could still be headed to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals for a second straight season.

LA GALAXY vs SANTOS LAGUNA (Dignity Health Sports Park, 11:00 p.m. ET)

The Galaxy will play for an opportunity to make it to the Knockout Stage, but it will not be easy. They will need a win against Santos Laguna but then a lot of help with the other results to advance.

As one of five MLS teams on four points, three points would likely be enough for the G’s to secure a quarterfinal spot, but padding their goal difference might also be necessary. Either way, it is up to LA to ensure their knockout berth.