A new Liga MX slayer has been crowned in the Colorado Rapids, who pulled off a stunning upset over Club América in a Leagues Cup quarterfinals matchup that will be remembered for years to come. In a tense and dramatic encounter that went into penalties, it was the Rapids who emerged victorious, with goalkeeper Zack Steffen playing the hero in more ways than one. The match ended with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout that saw Steffen convert the ninth penalty kick for Colorado, followed by América's goalkeeper, Luis Malagón, missing his crucial spot kick—an error that will ring through all the tabloids in Mexico.
With this result, the last remaining Mexican team has been ousted from the Leagues Cup in 2024, ensuring that once again, a Liga MX side will not have the chance to claim third place or a single CONCACAF Champions Cup berth. América’s relaxed approach at the end of regulation came back to haunt them, as they failed to capitalize on their opportunities and were ultimately eliminated in the most dramatic fashion.
The atmosphere at the match, held in what was a América home game, was electric from start to finish, with over 22,000 fans at Dignity Health Sports Park passionately supporting their team. Both sides had their chances in the first half, but neither could break the deadlock. América dominated possession but struggled to turn that control into clear goal-scoring opportunities. The Rapids, however, impressed by standing toe to toe with what many consider the best team in the region. Brian Rodríguez, who had starred in América’s previous match, found himself frustrated as he missed a couple of chances that could have shifted the momentum in favor of his team.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Steffen stepping up with crucial saves to keep the Rapids in the contest. Keegan Rosenberry was a standout performer, locking down his side of the field and stifling América’s attacking efforts. As the game wore on, Chris Armas’ Rapids had visibly drained and frustrated the reigning Liga MX champions, who seemed to be playing for penalties by the end of regulation.
When the match inevitably went to penalties, the tension was palpable. América had the chance to seal their victory in the fifth penalty, but Steffen came up big, making a crucial save to keep the Rapids alive on the brink of elimination. Then, in a moment of tactical brilliance, Armas decided to have Steffen take the second-to-last penalty for Colorado. Steffen delivered, calmly converting his spot kick. Moments later, Malagón, who had just retrieved the ball from the net, stepped up to take América’s next penalty—only to see his effort go wide. The Rapids and America both had another field player available to take the penalty.
"I have seen important players miss penalties before." said Andres Jardine, Head Coach of America
After the final whistle, Club América showed their class by staying on the pitch to applaud the valiant effort displayed by the Rapids, acknowledging the Denver-based team’s incredible run. The Rapids, who had already eliminated Club León, FC Juárez, and Deportivo Toluca F.C., added Club América to their list of victims, cementing their status as the Liga MX slayers of this year’s Leagues Cup.
"A game we would win normally in regular time, but that's how Cups are."said Jardine.
Up next for the Rapids is a semifinal showdown against LAFC at BMO Stadium on Wednesday, August 21st. The Denver-based team will be riding high on confidence, knowing they’ve already taken down some of the best teams Mexico has to offer.
