The USA and Mexico have a long history of run-ins on the soccer pitch. They say that while absence makes the heart grow fonder, familiarity breeds contempt, and after years of constant clashes between North America’s soccer giants, there’s plenty of familiarity there. Unsurprisingly, that has given life to a unique kind of contempt, layered with mutual respect.
The soccer rivalry that exists between these kings of Concacaf is one of the sporting world’s most exciting spectacles. Whether it’s El Tri v. The Stars and Stripes in a Gold Cup final or Liga MX All-Stars v. MLS All-Stars in their yearly showdown, sparks always fly when these soccer cultures meet.
This year, Liga MX and MLS are partnering to bring a new tournament to fans. The 2023 Leagues Cup will be the first iteration of this competition to incorporate all 47 clubs between the two leagues, expanding upon previous versions under the same name. With the top three finishers earning spots in the following season’s Concacaf Champions League, there’s more on the line than just pride and a trophy.
Tournament Format
The tournament will be played during a month-long break from the regular season, starting on July 21. The format will be similar to the World Cup, beginning with a group stage of (15) three-team groups. Seeding for the tournament is based on each team’s finish in their respective league in the 2022 season, with the top team from each league earning an automatic spot in the knockout round.
After a three-game, round-robin style group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance. Just like you would expect, three points are awarded for a win, none for a loss, and one for a draw. After any draws, though, the teams will compete for an additional point in a penalty shootout.
Following the group stage, a 32-team knockout stage will ensue, following traditional tournament bracket format. The competition will come to a head in August, with the final and third place games determining both the champion and the qualifiers for next year’s Concacaf Champions League.
Meet the Group
After the draw, Minnesota United was put into a group with Chicago Fire and Club Puebla. While the Fire are a familiar foe for many fans, Puebla presents a new challenge for the Loons. Let’s take a look at our groupmates to get a better idea of what we’re going to be up against come tournament time.
Chicago Fire:
Since winning the league and US Open Cup under Bob Bradley’s tutelage in 1998, Chicago’s team has been pretty underwhelming. Their initial success has never quite been repeated, with a tumultuous path leaving the team in disarray more often than not.
Plenty of talented players have donned the red and blue over the club’s 25-year history, including the likes of Xerdan Shaqiri, DaMarcus Beasley and Brian McBride, among others. Despite the big names coming through the doors, the Fire have disappointed again and again, seemingly unable to capture the strong soccer spirit of the Windy City.
2023 has been another mixed bag for Chicago’s team, though Kei Kamara’s All-Star season has truly been a joy to watch. MNUFC currently has a 4-4-2 (W-L-D) record all-time against the Fire, including the 2-1 loss at Soldier Field earlier this year.
Club Puebla:
MNUFC’s lone Liga MX opponent will be traveling more than 2,000 miles to get to Allianz Field. While professional soccer has existed in Puebla, Mexico since 1904, Club Puebla was founded in 1944. Across their 79 year history, Los Comatores have experienced their fair share of ups and downs.
Puebla saw its most successful period from 1982-96, winning two first division titles and finishing well in the seasons they failed to win. The good times dried up, though, as the club was relegated from the first division in 2005. A quick bounceback saw them earn their spot back in the top-level just two years later in 2007.
Since their return, La Franja have been a bit lackluster. A Copa MX win in 2015 is the highlight of their recent history, but mediocre finishes in the league have made them little more than an afterthought in the title conversations for Liga MX.
In the 2022 Apertura season, Puebla finished in eighth and advanced to the quarterfinals of the playoffs. They followed that up with an eleventh-place finish in the Clausura season, losing to Tigres in the first round of the playoffs.
Teams to Watch and Predictions
Aside from the obvious choice in Minnesota United, there are plenty of teams worth watching in this competition. If you’re trying to catch the best non-Loons action this month, I’ve picked four other groups for you to keep your eyes on:
Central 1 - St. Louis CITY SC, Columbus Crew, Club América
The leaders in the Western Conference, MLS’ highest-scoring team, and arguably the biggest club in Mexico? What a group! It’s almost a shame that one of them won’t make it out. Almost. Whoever does make it out will meet the teams that advance from MNUFC’s group, so make sure to research our potential knockout stage opponents and enjoy the high-powered approach they all take to the beautiful game.
Central 3 - Chivas Guadalajara, FC Cincinnati, Sporting Kansas City
Like Central 1, this group has some REALLY exciting matchups. Chivas is a massive club with incredible history, and they’re experiencing quite the resurgence at the moment. Cincinnati is absolutely flying in the league, opening up a huge gap in the Supporters’ Shield race. SKC should never be counted out, and considering the form that former Chivas striker Alan Pulido is in right now, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him grab a goal against his former club when they come to Kansas City.
West 2 - Monterrey, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders
Another heavyweight from Liga MX going up against a perennial MLS Cup contender in Seattle. Monterrey and the Sounders alone make this group interesting, but a Real Salt Lake attack with Chicho Arango makes it must-watch soccer. If only they got to play a few matches at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey — that place is absolutely gorgeous, look it up.
South 3 - Cruz Azul, Inter Miami, Atlanta United
There’s a certain World Cup winner that demands to be watched in this group, so make sure you circle these matches on your calendar. That’s right, Thiago Almada is electric. He and Atlanta United will be hoping to take down a decent Cruz Azul side and get the rivalry win over Inter Miami. Apparently Miami has a few notable players making their debuts in this tournament, but I’m not sure you’d know who they are.
When it’s all said and done, I think one of three clubs will be taking home the trophy, and that list includes Minnesota United. With the addition of Teemu Pukki and Rey’s return to brilliant form, there’s no telling how far the Loons might make it. Along with the Black and Blue, I’m backing Cincinnati and Chivas to make deep runs. Regardless of who comes out on top, though, this promises to be a fun tournament; don’t miss it!
