🔬 The Debrief on Thursday's Leagues Cup action | OneFootball

The final round of Matchday 2 action concluded on Thursday as the Leagues Cup Round of 32 continues to shape up. Here is what went down around the grounds.

What happened

Jul 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Nelson Palacio (13) reacts against LAFC during the second half at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

In somewhat surprising fashion, FC Cincinnati were forced to dig deep to scrape by 1-0 over Querétaro despite dominating the statistics. Twenty-four shots and majority possession, but not much to show for it.

Meanwhile, a rain delay stunted Chicago Fire’s momentum as Toluca scored three unanswered goals to ultimately win 3-1.

The comeback of the day arrived in the battle for top spot in Group H, as Real Salt Lake dramatically beat Atlas 2-1. Nelson Palacio was the hero off the bench (more on that later).

Thursday’s late match then saw Portland Timbers hammer MLS opponents Colorado Rapids 4-0 thanks to four different goal scorers. Talk about a team performance.

Moment of the night

Who else but Palacio? After less than 60 seconds on the pitch, he pulled this out of nowhere to win it!

Player of the night

Aug 1, 2024; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Toluca midfielder Marcel Alejandro Ruiz Suarez (14) looks on after scoring a goal during the first half of a match against the Chicago Fire FC at SeatGeek Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-USA TODAY Sports

This award could have also easily gone to Palacio, but as the only player with two goals on the night, we’re giving it to Marcel Ruiz.

The Toluca midfielder showed true poacher qualities in and around the area with a long-range strike to grab the lead over Chicago before ultimately heading home the clincher.

What this means

Despite the nervy performance against Querétaro, FC Cincinnati managed to book a spot in the Round of 32. Portland’s humbling of Colorado also earned them a spot in the next round.

Meanwhile, Chicago Fire became the fifth team eliminated from the 2024 tournament edition with two losses.

Toluca and Sporting KC subsequently moved on from Group D. Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake are continuing their hunt for the top spot in Group H.

What comes next

Matchday 3 kicks off on Saturday with three games on the schedule.

Tigres face Inter Miami, Monterrey battle Pumas and Vancouver Whitecaps face Club Tijuana. Buckle up!

Feature image credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports