All articles tagged with #leagues cup
Seattle Sounders were thoroughly outmatched in a 3-0 loss at Toluca, extending a seven-game skid as Toluca dominated with a massive shot volume, higher possession, and multiple chances, while Frei made 15 saves. Seattle fell behind within three minutes and never staged a real comeback, with injuries and an largely unchanged lineup fueling pessimism about turning the season around before the transfer window.
Toluca routed the short-handed Seattle Sounders 3-0 on the road in Leagues Cup, dominating with 40 shots to Seattle’s 4 while taking an early lead via Jesús Gallardo. Substitutes Helinho and Federico Viñas added late goals as Stefan Frei posted a club-record 16 saves, but the Sounders offered little attacking threat. With lineup churn, injuries, and altitude working against them, Seattle now returns home to face Querétaro FC seeking a spark.
MLS will run a three-month 2027 “Sprint Season” as it shifts to a European-style summer-to-spring calendar: a 14-game intra-conference regular season from February to April, followed by a shortened playoffs, with the MLS Cup final in late May; the 2027-28 season will begin around late July. Five Concacaf Champions Cup spots will be awarded based on regular-season results, and the top nine finishers in each conference will qualify for the 2028 Leagues Cup. The 2026 MLS Cup final will be played Dec. 18, the latest in league history.
The Leagues Cup 2026 schedule features 36 clubs (18 MLS, 18 Liga MX) from Aug. 4 to Sept. 6, including four Phase One matches hosted in Mexico by the top Liga MX clubs (Toluca two at Estadio Nemesio Díez, Tigres one at Estadio Universitario, Club América one at Estadio Azteca) with remaining Phase One games across MLS venues. The top four clubs from each league advance to the Quarterfinals, in a no-ties format with a points system (3 for a win, 2 for a shootout win, 1 for a draw). Phase One runs Aug. 4–13; Quarterfinals Aug. 25–27; Semifinals Sept. 1–2; Final Sept. 6. Leagues are split into Eastern and Western regions across three tiers (Rank 1–3, 4–6, 7–9), with rankings based on 2025 MLS standings and Liga MX Apertura/Clausura performance. All matches stream on Apple TV, with some broadcast partners, and the tournament awards top finishers a 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup spot (champion to Round of 16).
The Seattle Sounders dominated the Leagues Cup Final with a 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, showcasing tactical discipline, cohesive team play, and standout performances from players like Alex Roldan and Andrew Thomas, earning their first trophy and demonstrating regional supremacy.
The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee announced suspensions for players involved in a postgame fight, including Luis Suarez with six games and others with fewer, with potential further league punishments pending appeals, likely affecting upcoming matches.
Inter Miami and Luis Suarez issued mild statements regarding a postgame fight, with Suarez apologizing but shifting blame, while Miami's statement avoids apology and hints at appealing potential punishments. Video evidence shows Suarez initiating physical altercations, and the incident has led to discussions about possible suspensions, though no final decisions have been made yet.
Pedro de la Vega, who was named Player of the Tournament at Leagues Cup, was reportedly 'blackballed' from the Argentina national team by Leo Messi, possibly due to his aggressive playing style that challenged Messi during the final.
The Seattle Sounders' victory in the Leagues Cup secures them a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, provides financial bonuses, boosts their global ranking, and boosts team morale, highlighting their strength and potential in North American soccer.
The Seattle Sounders won the 2025 Leagues Cup with a 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, featuring early goals from Osaze De Rosario and Georgi Minoungou, and a late goal from Paul Rothrock. The match was marked by a post-game altercation involving Luis Suárez, who sparked a fight with Seattle's Obed Vargas, leading to a chaotic scene. Seattle celebrated their victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Lumen Field, securing their first trophy in the competition and adding to their impressive trophy cabinet.
Ahead of the Leagues Cup final, the Seattle Sounders report no new injuries, with key players like Cristian Roldan and Albert Rusnák available, and expect a large crowd possibly setting a new attendance record for the tournament.
The Seattle Sounders have returned to an MLS final after a 39-month drought, marking their 15th final in 25 years and aiming for their ninth trophy, demonstrating their consistent success and resilience despite injuries and challenges, and highlighting their strong international competition record.
The Seattle Sounders defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 in Carson, California, securing a spot in the Leagues Cup Final against Inter Miami, with key contributions from Pedro de la Vega and Osaze De Rosario, despite a red card to Nouhou late in the game.
Lionel Messi returned from injury to score twice in the final 15 minutes, leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City and securing their spot in the Leagues Cup final, where they will face Seattle Sounders.
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final with a second-half brace in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City, securing their spot in the 2025 final and the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.