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MATCHDAY 6: 2024 debuts, elimination loom as League Cup field narrows

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CINCINNATI vs. QUERETARO (TQL Stadium)

FC Cincinnati makes its debut in the 2024 Leagues Cup — missing players and all — against Club Queretaro who are battling elimination, when the two clubs meet for a first encounter on Thursday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

One of the big storylines around the reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield winners is a foot injury to MLS MVP Luciano Acosta. The club has also lost an option at goalkeeper with Alec Kann battling hip issues and star defender Miles Robinson is away at the Paris 2024 Olympics with the United States.

TOLUCA vs. CHICAGO (SeatGeek Stadium)

After dropping their first match in 2024 Leagues Cup group play, Chicago Fire FC is in the unenviable position of having to collect points against one of the tougher LIGA MX opponents in Toluca FC to avoid elimination. The group 4 West match Thursday at SeatGeek Stadium may even have some tension in the stands.

SALT LAKE vs. ATLAS (America First Field)

Atlas FC is one of just two LIGA MX teams to beat an MLS opponent in the 2024 Leagues Cup thus far and they have another American adversary in their crosshairs on Thursday night when they travel to Utah to take on one of the best Real Salt Lake squads we’ve seen in years.

Colombian Andrés Gómez is having the best season of his young career with 13 goals and nine assists alongside creative winger Diego Luna — who replaced Arango on the 2024 MLS All-Star roster after being snubbed from the United States Olympic team — producing five goals and 12 assists himself.

PORTLAND vs. COLORADO (Providence Park•)

On Thursday, the Portland Timbers will face the Colorado Rapids in their second Leagues Cup match at 10:30 p.m. ET at Providence Park.

In their first Leagues Cup match, the Timbers secured all three points against Club León, with Zac McGraw — who is tied for the lead in goals in the tournament — contributing from set pieces.

The Timbers have a chance to surpass their group stage performance from last year, where they only earned three points. In contrast, the Rapids are looking to improve on their previous Leagues Cup showing, in which they failed to secure a win or a draw and conceded six goals in two games.