things we learned in the Leagues Cup group stage

The Leagues Cup group stage is now fading into the rearview mirror as attention turns to the knockout stages. However, we must analyze the biggest takeaways from the last two weeks of play.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall

August 3, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Pumas UNAM fans react after a goal scored in the second half against CF Monterrey, at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

The group stage was not kind to some of North America’s biggest clubs. All Monterrey, Chivas and Atlanta United were eliminated from the competition, hardly resisting.

In the case of Monterrey, the Mexican giants barely managed to score a goal and, when they had the chance to qualify in the penalty shootout, they missed the first three kicks and fell.

One thing is for sure: the lack of extra time, plus strange travel patterns, changeable weather and strange crowds, has been the perfect storm for some of the region’s big boys to stumble and fall before the tournament even begins.

Portland’s momentum continued

August 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers forward Santiago Moreno (30), defender Larrys Mabiala (33), forward Mason Toye (23), midfielder David Ayala (24), forward Antony (11) and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau ( 16) celebrate after beating the Colorado Rapids at Providence Parque. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The Timbers have been in crisis in recent months, with just two defeats since mid-May. While they struggled at the back in the opening months of the campaign, Phil Neville appears to have found the right balance between solidity and freedom for his attacking team.

The trio of Evander, Felipe Mora and Jonathan Rodríguez have become arguably the deadliest in Major League Soccer since the Cascadia club entered action. All three forwards have scored double-digit goals so far this season.

When it comes to the Leagues Cup, the Timbers went top of the group with a gutsy 2-1 win over León, before defeating Colorado 4-0. They may be flying under the radar, but there are few teams in the competition who they’ll want to face the Timbers when they’re in that mood in a playoff.

The qualifiers are where Liga MX can shine

August 3, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Pumas UNAM watches the penalties after regulation against Monterrey at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Liga MX clubs have yet to make their mark in this edition of the Leagues Cup, with only four of the 15 groups being led by a team from Mexico.

With no home games, travel and accommodation issues, the odds are stacked against the Liga MX clubs. However, the Concacaf Champions Cup has shown us in recent years that it is in the knockouts that Liga MX can flex its MLS muscles a little more.

With bigger budgets and therefore stronger squads, teams like Tigres, América and Pachuca might be able to find the extra 5% needed to overcome a draw behind enemy lines.

All eyes on Club América and Columbus Crew

August 3, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Club América defender Sebastian Caceres (4) kicks the ball against Aston Villa in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Columbus and América may not have participated in the group stage, having a free pass to the round of 16 thanks to excellent displays in their respective 2023 campaigns, but they are far from standing still.

While Columbus have won and defeated Premier League side Aston Villa, América have also played friendlies against some of Europe’s top players.

There are often conflicting opinions about whether teams that enter a tournament late actually have an advantage. However, one cannot ignore either side when it comes to potential favorites to win the entire tournament.

The draw was also relatively favorable for both sides. Columbus will face ailing Sporting Kansas City, while América will face Liga MX opponents Atlas.

They may be just getting into the show, but you’ll probably have to get past these two elite teams if you want to take home the trophy.

Sowing leaves a lot to be desired

July 20, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Fans celebrate Sporting Kansas City forward Willy Agada’s (not pictured) second-half goal against St. Louis CITY SC at Children’s Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

The round of 16 arrived and the draws were made, but the classification of the clash left many fans scratching their heads, and rightly so.

To the surprise of many fans, the knockout stage clashes were decided by the performance of the respective teams last season, rather than in the current tournament.

This meant that many teams that performed well in the group stage were rewarded with tougher draws than teams that only managed to progress to the knockout stages.

The aforementioned Portland Timbers reached the top of the group, but will be forced to travel to St. Louis for their round of 16 clash despite St.

Likewise, Austin topped perhaps the tournament’s toughest group with Pumas and Monterrey, but now they must travel to LAFC for the round of 16, which could well be a death knell for Austin’s World Cup campaign. Turns on.

This structure begs the question: if they risk being punished for winning their group, what motivation does a team have to perform at their best when it comes to group stage games? Perhaps it’s food for thought as the tournament continues to evolve in just its second full season.

Featured image credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports