🔬 The Debrief on Sunday’s jam-packed Leagues Cup drama

Seven Leagues Cup games were on the schedule Sunday evening as more teams looked to cement their place in the Round of 32. Here is a recap of all the drama.

What happened

The first match of the night saw a dull 0-0 draw between Atlanta United and Santos Laguna, which forced the match to penalties. The MLS side failed once again and subsequently bowed out to a club without a win in 12 consecutive games.

Three other games went to penalties but didn’t have as much at stake. Ten-man Orlando City scored first in a 1-1 draw with San Luis before winning on spot kicks for first in the group.

Philadelphia Union’s usual hero, Dániel Gazdag, scored an 88th-minute equalizer (their only shot on target) but then missed his penalty as Cruz Azul converted all five after a 1-1 draw.

A third Liga MX side in FC Juárez also won on penalties (4-1) after fighting back in a thriller against St. Louis for a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, one of the only winners in regulation time saw Toronto FC earn their first ever Leagues Cup victory after a 2-1 win over Pachuca. Kobe Franklin’s first goal for the club proved decisive.

The late matches then featured the blockbuster showing as Chivas and LA Galaxy went head to head. One Chicharito was denied his return due to an injury in warm-up.

The MLS side thought they had pulled off a 2-1 comeback until Cade Cowell equalized in the 91st minute. Chivas eventually crashed out on penalties.

Finally, three unanswered goals saw Necaxa steal the top spot from Seattle Sounders following a 3-1 result. It’s just the third loss for the MLS side in 15 matches at Lumen Field this year.

Moment of the night

This brilliant team move from LA Galaxy earns this award. A backheel flick in the build-up and a visionary through ball from Riqui Puig? Perfecto.

Honourable mention to Lorenzo Insigne for also masterminding a brilliant goal for TFC.

Player of the night

Plenty of stars were at their best on Sunday, but the honour goes to Pedro Gallese. The goalkeeper faced 23 shots and made a save in the shootout to help 10-man Orlando prevail.

Aug 4, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (1) saves a penalty kick against the Atletico de San Luis tie breaker during the Leagues Cup group stage at INTER&CO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

What this means

After eliminating Atlanta United, Santos moved on alongside D.C United and will face the eventual winner of Group East 1.

TFC finished in the top spot but still faces a tough test against Inter Miami in the next round. Pachuca, meanwhile, will face Tigres.

Despite losing, Philadelphia Union finished top ahead of Cruz Azul. Meanwhile, Orlando City’s perseverance also helped them finish first ahead of CF Montreal and San Luis bowed out.

The next round sees Orlando City versus Cruz Azul and Montreal battle the Union.

Juárez claimed the top spot and will face either León or Colorado Rapids. Due to seeding, St. Louis will now host Portland Timbers.

August 4, 2024; Carson, California, USA; Guadalajara forward Ronaldo Cisneros (18) takes a shot on goal against LA Galaxy defender Eriq Zavaleta (15) during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In the late games, Minnesota United was officially eliminated, as Necaxa and the Sounders moved on.

Liga MX giants Chivas then crashed out as LA Galaxy finished top of their group and San Jose Earthquakes held on for second.

Looking ahead, Necaxa face San Jose, and the Sounders take on the Galaxy.

What comes next

Monday night sees the group stage action wrap-up with five games on the schedule.

Round of 32 action then kicks off on August 8, and we’ll have all the drama for you!

Feature image credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports