NYCFC, Columbus among MLS seeking redemption in Leagues Cup 2025 | OneFootball

MIAMI – The Leagues Cup 2025 continues with six matches on Friday in Phase One of the Concacaf-sanctioned competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, as they battle for the crown and three spots in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

New York City FC vs. Club León

New York City FC will take on Club León at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.

New York will seek to bounce back after being shut out 3-nil by Club Puebla. NYCFC made a run to the quarterfinals in the 2024 edition and seeks to earn its first three points in its hopes to reach the Knockout Round.

Leon got an early moment of brilliance from Rogelio Funes Mori and James Rodríguez when the pair connected for the tournament’s opening goal just 11 minutes into its match at CF Montréal. The Liga MX side took a point after the Canadians tied and won on penalties.

Columbus Crew vs. Club Puebla

The defending Leagues Cup champions will host Club Puebla at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

The Crew jumped out to a convincing two-goal lead in their first match, but Toluca rallied to tie it in the second half and eventually prevailed in a penalty kick shootout.

Wilfried Nancy’s side will certainly be looking for a big bounce-back performance, especially being at home, as the Crew aim to avoid any mishaps this early in the tournament. Diego Rossi and Max Arfsten, the two scorers in their opener, will be focal points in attack.

Club Puebla, guided by a strong performance from Emiliano Gómez, scored in the second minute off a corner kick and took control of the game early in a 3-nil win over New York City FC.

The Liga MX club was one of only two sides to end the opening night with three points, already putting them in a good spot after failing to make it out of group play in the two previous editions of Leagues Cup.

Houston Dynamo vs. Mazatlán FC

The Houston Dynamo clash with Mazatlán FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The Texas side are up against it after a 4-1 loss to Tigres UANL. It’s a dire pursuit of points for the Dynamo who will be facing a motivated Mazatlán FC squad that forced penalties against Los Angeles FC in Southern California and ended up securing the two points.

Fábio Gomes hopes to continue his good luck as he registered his first goal with the Liga MX club on his only shot of the game.

Toluca FC vs. CF Montréal

The reigning Liga MX champions battle with CF Montréal at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.

Toluca FC is feeling good after rallying from a two-goal deficit in Columbus and winning the shootout thanks to a pair of massive saves from keeper Luis García.

CF Montréal, led by a Prince Owusu in great form, is also feeling confident after prevailing against Club León in the shootout. They were the MLS side that ranked up the most points on the opening night of the tournament. They finished their game with 17 total shots, seven on target.

Los Angeles FC vs. CF Pachuca

Los Angeles FC confront Pachuca in a pivotal encounter at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

LAFC will feel like it let points slip at home after drawing in regulation and watching Denis Bouanga roof a decisive penalty kick in the 12th round of the shootout. The Black and Gold, which were the runners-up of last year’s tournament, will be on a mission to make a statement.

Pachuca already made a statement with a 3-2 win versus San Diego FC. The Mexican side did concede two late goals, but they were firmly in control most of the match thanks to a brace from Alexei Domínguez.

Tigres UANL vs. San Diego FC

Tigres UANL take on San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.

Tigres was the highest-scoring team of the first matchday as they put four in the back of the net in fashion. Ángel Correa’s brace was the standout along with a solid defensive effort and always-reliable Nahuel Guzmán in net.

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano hoped for a better Leagues Cup debut with San Diego FC but now the Mexican star will attempt to power his side in a tough matchup. The MLS club will be without one of their most important players, Anders Dreyer, who received a red card in the loss to Pachuca.