Only eight teams remain in this iteration of the Leagues Cup, with two from Liga MX and six from MLS. Despite the odds favoring MLS, one formidable challenge stands in the way: Club América. The Colorado Rapids face the toughest test in the quarterfinals as they go up against the tournament favorites, América, at their home away from home, Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. Catch the final quarterfinal match on Saturday, August 17, at 10 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass, Univision, and TUDN.
The Rapids enter this matchup as underdogs, but they have proven they are no pushovers in this Leagues Cup, becoming specialists in one key area: knocking out Mexican teams. The Denver-based team has already eliminated Club León, FC Juárez, and Deportivo Toluca F.C. However, facing Las Aguilas presents the ultimate test for the Burgundy. If they succeed, they could earn a new nickname: the Liga MX slayers, a title that another remaining Leagues Cup team, Columbus Crew, has earned for their heroics in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Rapids' impressive tournament run has been guided by first-year head coach Chris Armas. Armas recently welcomed back his Designated Player, Djordje Mihailovic, who many consider the Rapids’ best player, following his stint in the Summer Olympics. However, the team will now face the challenge of playing without their defensive anchor, Moise Bombito, who surprised many with his performances in the Copa América. Bombito has been sidelined since the group stage and now has been transferred to Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice, and his absence will be felt against a high-powered opponent like América.
Armas recognizes the challenge ahead, stating, “Club América is a super team in the world [of soccer]. Every team has been difficult. We have so much respect for Liga MX, we'll be up for the challenge.”
On the other side, América is one of the most storied and popular clubs in Mexican football. They boast an impressive record, having won 14 league titles, six Copa México trophies, six Campeón de Campeones cups, and eight internationally recognized club titles by FIFA.
For América, there is only one goal in this tournament: to claim the Leagues Cup trophy. Last year, they suffered a disappointing Round of 16 exit to Nashville SC, followed by a humbling 4-1 defeat to the Crew in the group stage. This year’s Leagues Cup has become a mission of redemption for Los Estudiantes. With momentum from a recent league title and a 4-2 victory over St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 16, América is ready to make a powerful statement.
América will most likely be missing several key players, including Kevin Álvarez, Alejandro Zendejas, and Jorge Meré. However, the most remarkable aspect of this team is their depth—arguably the deepest in North America. It’s always the next man up. Brian Rodríguez, a former Los Angeles Football Club player, typically doesn’t start, but he's been in blistering form lately, stepping up on the wing. With a brace in his last match, América hasn't missed a beat despite the absences.
This upcoming match will be only the second meeting between these two teams, with a coveted spot in the Leagues Cup semifinal— a first for both clubs—on the line.
The winner will move on to play either LAFC or Seattle Sounders in the semifinals. A spot in the semifinals also guarantees a place in the tournament's Third Place match, which comes with a ticket to the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. With so much at stake, every quarterfinal clash will be filled with intensity, as teams vie for a shot at CONCACAF Champions Cup qualification.
These matches are crucial, with everything at stake. Be sure to mark your calendar for this one.
