August 1 – MLS clubs bounced back from a disappointing opening night as four American sides secured victories in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup action, leveling the score against their Liga MX counterparts in the race for three 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup spots.
Inter Miami 2-1 Atlas FC: FIFA World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul made his Inter Miami debut as the hosts edged Atlas at Chase Stadium. Telasco Segovia opened the scoring in the 57th minute from a Lionel Messi assist, but Rivaldo Lozano equalized for Atlas with 10 minutes remaining.
Drama came in the dying moments when Marcelo Weigandt struck in the 96th minute, with Messi again turning provider for a crucial late winner.
Club Necaxa 3-1 Atlanta United: Necaxa took control at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after an early stroke of luck with Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan’s own goal in the 12th minute. Aleksei Miranchuk leveled for the home side midway through the first half, but Tomás Badaloni’s second-half brace sealed victory for the Mexican visitors. His thumping header from a corner in the 77th minute and stoppage-time finish proved decisive.
Pumas UNAM 1-1 Orlando City (Pumas win 4-3 on penalties): Orlando looked set for victory after Rodrigo Schlegel’s early header, but 2024 Concacaf Men’s Player of the Year Adalberto Carrasquilla rescued a point for Pumas with 10 minutes remaining. The Mexican side then prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout to claim the additional point.
Minnesota United 4-1 Club Querétaro: The Loons dominated at Allianz Field, with Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Kelvin Yeboah’s stunning free-kick curler giving them a commanding early lead. Jhojan Julio briefly threatened a comeback for Querétaro, but Anthony Markanich and Tani Oluwaseyi sealed a comfortable victory.
Club América 2-2 Real Salt Lake (RSL win 3-1 on penalties): A thriller in Utah saw four goals and late drama. Diego Luna’s early strike was canceled out by Brian Rodríguez’s magnificent free-kick, before William Agada restored RSL’s advantage on the stroke of half-time. Érick Sánchez’s 97th-minute equalizer forced penalties, where Real Salt Lake held their nerve to claim the bonus point.
Portland Timbers 4-0 Atlético de San Luis: Wednesday’s most emphatic result saw Portland cruise to victory at Providence Park. David Da Costa’s first-minute opener set the tone, with Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter and Felipe Mora completing the rout.
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