One game played, four goals scored, three points in the bank. Your Loons kicked their Leagues Cup campaign off with a resounding 4-1 win over Querétaro, showing off their full range of attacking and defensive talents. Now, this weekend’s matchup against a wounded Club América is looming, and it promises to turn the LC heat up even higher. Get ready for a legendary showdown, you Loons.
Club América
Las Águilas, Los Azulcremas, or, as they’ve often been referred to as, simply los campeones. That last one isn’t an official title, but it might as well be. Since their formation in 1916, América has defined dominance. They’ve won more Liga MX titles (16), Copa MX titles (6), Concacaf Champions Cups (7), and just about every title they could possibly win than any other club, becoming one of the most well-known North American clubs in doing so.
Their rivalry with fellow Liga MX giants Chivas de Guadalajara has seen the two sides become the equivalent of Spain’s Barcelona and Real Madrid, and in this writer’s opinion, América is very much the Madrid in this matchup. Every showdown is electric, emotional, and high stakes, and that doesn’t stop with the rivalry games. This is a club that doesn’t just have passionate fans; it’s a cultural icon that redefines passion itself.
In many ways, one could count this among the biggest competitive matchups that Minnesota United has ever had the privilege of participating in. And, while América has every edge in history, trophies, and notoriety, those things won’t be with them on the field this Saturday. When that first whistle blows, the only things that matter will be the three keys to the match that I have expertly picked out. Trust me.
Keys to the Match:
No One’s Home, but We’re Definitely Away
This weekend’s match won’t be played at Allianz Field, but it won’t be at the legendary Stadio Azteca in Mexico City, either. Instead, Club América will be “hosting” your Loons at Shell Energy Stadium, where they’ll be hoping to improve upon the form of the stadium’s owners. (Sorry Houston, but you had to catch that stray.) So, no one is truly the home team for this matchup, making this a totally neutral game, right? Oh, sweet child, that couldn’t be more wrong. Some estimates say that América has nearly 50 million fans spread throughout the world, and when they’re playing anywhere in North America, they aren’t ever really the away team. Their supporters always show up in force, and they’ll be turning the Dynamo’s stadium into their own home-away-from-home this weekend. It’s going to be a truly unique environment, unlike anything MNUFC has ever faced. The Loons’ ability to adapt to the spotlight will be tested this weekend, making this second game of Leagues Cup one of the most intriguing tests in club history.
Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better
We’ve established that América is a huge club. Despite their overwhelming size and history, though, 11 human players take the pitch for each team in every game. The hype is intimidating, sure, but this Club América side has been showing its vulnerability as of late. Losses to Toluca in the Campeón de Campeones final and LAFC in their Club World Cup play-in game have marred some of the club’s seemingly untouchable luster, leaving them in need of a bounceback. But, while they look to bounce back, your Loons have put together what could be — knock on wood — the best season in club history. With a clear, defined style of play employed by talented, disciplined players, the Loons are flying higher than ever before. There’s a stark difference between the state of these two clubs, relative to where they’ve been in the past. Saturday’s game is by no means a final, but it will put on display two vastly different motivations. While one team fights to save face, the other continues to make a name for themselves. The tides of professional soccer are liable to shift from time to time; we might be about to witness one of those shifts.
Leagues Cup Bongi
It’s a question as old as time: Was Leagues Cup made for Bongi, or was Bongi made for Leagues Cup? Whatever the answer is, the result is clear for all to see; this man can’t stop himself from scoring in this tournament. With his goal against Querétaro, our favorite South African player brought his all-time LC tally up to eight. That puts him right up there with the highest scoring athletes to ever play in this young tournament. His defensive work and attacking know-how have seen him become a key contributor in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet this season, but a breakout tournament run from Bongi could be just what the Loons ordered as they head into crunch time. When he’s adding final product to his always admirable efforts on the pitch, this squad looks as complete as any team in the league. Whether it’s something about playing Liga MX teams that suits him, or it’s just this time of year, one thing is for sure; a fit and firing Bongi can only be a good thing for your Loons. Watch him closely in this next match, whether he’s employed as a right wingback or on the right of that midfield four.
How to Follow:
TV: FS1, MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+, Univison, TUDN
Watch Party: Alary’s Bar & Barbeque | Party starts at 6:30 p.m.
MNUFC App: Download the MNUFC app for iOS or Android to follow along with all of the matchday action. Keep up with the game directly on your home screen with push notifications and live activities (on iOS). After the game, find highlights, recaps, stats, postgame pressers and much more.
