Leagues Cup: Predicting the winner of every quarterfinal match reveals an exciting showdown as only eight teams remain from the original 47 in this prestigious tournament. This annual competition, designed collaboratively by Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, features top clubs from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The narratives surrounding the four single-elimination matches slated for Saturday are compelling, with score predictions provided for each contest.
Columbus Crew vs. NYCFC (6 p.m. ET)
The Crew, reigning champions of the MLS Cup, stand as the highest remaining seed in the tournament. Under the guidance of coach Wilfried Nancy, they are eager to add the Leagues Cup to their trophy cabinet after a narrow loss in the Concacaf Champions Cup final against Pachuca in June. Their confidence is bolstered by a thrilling comeback against Inter Miami, where they overturned a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory, eliminating the Herons from the tournament.
Playing at the energetic Lower.com Field in Columbus, the Crew aim to capitalize on their home advantage. Star striker Cucho Hernandez appears to be hitting his stride, and the Pigeons may need to adopt a defensive strategy, potentially leading to a tense match unless the Crew can find the net early.
Prediction: Columbus 2, New York City 0
Philadelphia Union vs. Mazatlán (7:30 p.m. ET)
The Union’s season has been a stark contrast to their 2022 performance, as they currently sit in 21st place among 29 teams. However, their form has drastically improved during the Leagues Cup, highlighted by a 4-2 victory over FC Cincinnati, where Tai Baribo emerged as a key player with two goals.
Head coach Jim Curtin’s team now finds themselves just three wins away from securing a trophy. With playoff hopes uncertain, the Leagues Cup represents a significant opportunity. Should they overcome Mazatlán, who recently stunned Cruz Azul, they would face the winner of the Crew-NYCFC match. A return to the semifinals would be a proud moment for the Union, especially with a chance to secure a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Prediction: Philadelphia 2, Mazatlán 2 (Union advance on penalties)
Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC (8 p.m. ET)
In what promises to be the standout match of the quarterfinals, the Seattle Sounders take on LAFC, both of whom have been formidable forces in the western conference. The Sounders hold a slight edge as they play at home, where they previously defeated Liga MX’s Pumas 4-0 in the round of 16.
However, LAFC has shown superior form in MLS play this season, winning both encounters against Seattle, including a decisive 3-0 victory in July. With the addition of French striker Olivier Giroud, who recently made his debut scoring in a 4-1 win over San Jose, LAFC may be poised to continue their successful streak.
Prediction: Los Angeles 3, Seattle 2
Club América vs. Colorado Rapids (10 p.m. ET)
Club América enters this matchup as the top seed in the tournament, while the Colorado Rapids find themselves at the bottom of the rankings. This matchup seems lopsided on paper, especially with América’s large fan base expected to fill the stands in Carson, California.
Despite their lower status, the Rapids have exceeded expectations this season under new coach Chris Armas. With U.S. national team goalkeeper Zack Steffen in goal and playmaker Djordje Mihailovic in excellent form following his Olympic performance, the Rapids could pose a significant threat. Can they disrupt the narrative and create an all-MLS semifinal?
Prediction: Club América 2, Colorado 1
