🔬 The Debrief on the dramatic Leagues Cup quarter-finals

In partnership with

OneFootball

Adam Booker·18 August 2024

🔬 The Debrief on the dramatic Leagues Cup quarter-finals

The four Leagues Cup quarter-finals played out Saturday evening as the competition heads towards its conclusion, and there was plenty of drama from around the grounds. Here is what went down.

What happened

Aug 17, 2024; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Mikael Uhre (7) celebrates after scoring a goal against Mazatlan FC during the first half in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal match at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports

OneFootball Videos

In the opening game of the evening, the Columbus Crew showed why they are the favorites for not only Leagues Cup, but Major League Soccer, beating NYCFC in a penalty shootout after erasing a one-goal deficit.

Columbus Crew advance to the Leagues Cup semifinal, just doing what they do at home under Wilfried Nancy. They've only lost two of 41 games at Lower .com Field (!) across all comps. Crew now 27W-12D-2L with a +57 GD (!!!) at home under Nancy, per Apple TV broadcast. Fortress.
– Sunday, 18 August 2024

Mazatlán's Cinderella came to an end in Philadelphia as the 10-men Union held on to advance on penalties, booking their spot to a second consecutive semi-final, and sending off club legend José Martínez in style.

With potentially his last kick for @PhilaUnion, Jose Martinez steps up and BURIES his penalty! Amazing moments with his teammates after. 😢
– Sunday, 18 August 2024

Seattle's hot-streak came to a screeching halt as LAFC came to town and cruised to a 3-0 victory. Hugo Lloris showed off his skills by getting his name on the scoresheet for the second time this summer, providing an assist for Denis Bouanga's strike.

Hugo Lloris with the assist to Denis Bouanga 🎯
– Sunday, 18 August 2024

The round was wrapped up with a giant-killing, as Colorado knocked out Club América in a lengthy shootout to book their spot in the semi-final. Colorado has now knocked out four Mexican sides.

Chris Armas with an absolute masterclass in penalties, make Zack Steffen take the second to last pebalty kick and he makes the penalty. Right after, Malagon takes the ball out of the net and decides he will take the penalty and MISSES. #LigaMX #MLS #America #LeaguesCup…
– Sunday, 18 August 2024

Goal of the night

And this is supposedly who will be replaced by Olivier Giroud...

KEI KAMARA ON THE VOLLEY 🤩 It's been a dream first half for @LAFC! #LeaguesCup2024
– Sunday, 18 August 2024

Player of the night

Making history and doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon!

#LAFC Denis Bouanga is officially the highest scorer in Leagues Cup history with 11 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's 10 goals last season.
– Sunday, 18 August 2024

What this means

MLS champs Columbus will look to take one more step towards adding to their trophy cabinet as they square off with Philadelphia in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile in the West, the hopes of any Mexican representation rested on the shoulders of América, but their defeat in the shootout means LAFC will take on Colorado.

No Liga MX representation in the Leagues Cup semifinals. All four MLS clubs, meaning the three CONCACAF Champions Cup spots will go to MLS sides. Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union LAFC vs. Colorado Rapids
– Sunday, 18 August 2024

What comes next

The semi-finals are just right around the corner, with both games playing out on August 21.