🖐 things we learned from the Leagues Cup group stage

The Leagues Cup group stage is now fading away in the rearview mirror as attention turns to the knockout rounds. Nevertheless, we must pick through the biggest takeaways of the last two weeks of play.

The bigger they are the harder they fall

Aug 3, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Pumas UNAM fans react after a goal was scored during 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 the bigger clubs in North America. All of Monterrey, Chivas, and Atlanta United crashed out of the competition, hardly putting up a fight.

In the case of Monterrey, the Mexican giants barely managed to score a goal, and when they had the chance to earn qualification in a penalty-shootout, they missed their first three takes and crashed out.

One thing is for certain, the lack of extra time on top of weird travel patterns, sketchy weather, and weird crowds has been the perfect storm for some of the regions big boys to trip and fall before the tournament even really got going.

Portland’s momentum carried over

Aug 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 Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The Timbers have been on a tear in the last few months, with just two losses 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 of solidity and freedom for his attack-minded team.

The trio of Evander, Felipe Mora, and Jonathan Rodríguez has become arguably the deadliest in Major League Soccer since they Cascadia club clicked into gear. All three attackers have bagged double-digit goals so far this season.

When it comes to Leagues Cup, the Timbers cruised to the top of their group with a gutsy 2-1 win against León before thumping Colorado 4-0. They may be flying under the radar, but there are few teams in the competition that will want to square off with the Timbers when they are in this mood in a knockout tie.

Knockouts are where Liga MX can shine

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

Liga MX clubs have not made their mark so far on this edition of Leagues Cup, with only four of the 15 groups being topped by a team from Mexico.

With no home games, travel and lodging issues, the odds are stacked against the Liga MX clubs. However, Concacaf Champions Cup has shown us in recent years that its in knockout ties where the Liga MX can flex their muscles on MLS a bit more.

With bigger budgets and therefore deeper squads, teams like Tigres, América, and Pachuca may just be able to find the extra 5% needed to scrape through a tie on behind enemy lines.

All eyes on Club América and Columbus Crew

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

Columbus and América may not have been participated in the group stage, given free passage to the knockout rounds thanks to superb showings in their respective 2023 campaigns, but they have been far from idle.

While Columbus took, and thumped, Premier League side Aston Villa, América have been playing friendlies against some of Europe’s big-boys as well.

There are often conflicting views on wether teams who enter a tournament late actually have an advantage. Yet you can’t look past either side when it comes to potential favorites to win the whole tournament.

The draw has been relatively favorable for both sides as well. Columbus will take on an ailing Sporting Kansas City, while América will square off with with Liga MX foes Atlas.

They may only just be joining the show, but you will most likely have to get through these two elite sides if you are going to take home the trophy.

Seeding leaves a lot to be desired

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

The knockout rounds are here and the draws have been made, but the matchup seeding has left a lot of fans scratching their heads, and rightly so.

Much to the surprise of many supporters, the knockout round matchups were decided by the respective teams’ performances last season, not in the ongoing tournament.

This has resulted in plenty of teams who have performed well in the group stage to be rewarded with tougher draws than teams who only managed to scrape into the knockout rounds.

The aforementioned Portland Timbers cruised to the top of their group, but they will be forced to travel to St. Louis for the round-of-32 showdown, despite St. Louis City finishing second in their group.

Similarly, Austin topped a perhaps the toughest group in the tournament with Pumas and Monterrey, but they must now travel to LAFC for the round-of-32, which may as well be a death knell for Austin’s Leagues Cup campaign.

This structure has begged the question, if run the risk of being punished for winning your group, what motivation does a team have for putting their best foot forward when it comes to group stage games? Perhaps it’s some food for thought as the tournament continues to evolve in just its second full season.

Feature image credit:Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports