The Philadelphia Union can eliminate a LIGA MX opponent from Leagues Cup 2024 when they host Cruz Azul on Sunday evening.
How to watch & stream
- Apple TV - Free
- FS1, UniMas
When
- Sunday, Aug. 4 | 8 pm ET/5 pm PT
Where
- Subaru Park | Chester, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia lead the East 4 standings, while Cruz Azul hope to advance over Charlotte FC by taking a positive result. Each group's top two teams qualify for the Round of 32.
This World Cup-style tournament features 47 clubs – 18 from LIGA MX and 29 from MLS – pausing their domestic season for the month-long competition. The winner is crowned champion, and the top three finishers qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The Union have fallen short of expectations in MLS, uncharacteristically sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference table entering the Leagues Cup break.
But the tides might be turning, as Philly won their last two league matches before starting their Leagues Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Charlotte to put them atop East 4.
Hungarian standout Dániel Gazdag remains the centerpiece of Philadelphia's attack, with 14g/2a in 21 MLS appearances this season. Israeli forward Tai Baribo is coming into his own, tallying four times in his last three league games and scoring the decisive goal in Philly's opening win over Charlotte.
Cruz Azul started their Leagues Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw at Charlotte FC before falling 4-2 on penalty kicks. Now, any win over Philadelphia sends them through to the Round of 32 and eliminates Charlotte.
Cruz Azul are integrating former Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, who was transferred to the LIGA MX side for reportedly $10 million in June. They also boast former LA Galaxy winger Uriel Antuna.
Led by head coach Martin Anselmi, Cruz Azul have only conceded once in their last five matches across all competitions.
MATCH | WHEN | WATCH |
|---|---|---|
Atlanta United vs. Santos Laguna | Sunday, Aug. 4 - 4 pm ET | |
Orlando City SC vs. Atlético de San Luis | Sunday, Aug. 4 - 8 pm ET | |
CF Pachuca vs. Toronto FC | Sunday, Aug. 4 - 8 pm ET | |
Philadelphia Union vs. Cruz Azul | Sunday, Aug. 4 - 8 pm ET | Apple TV - FreeFS1; UniMás |
St. Louis CITY SC vs. FC Juárez | Sunday, Aug. 4 - 9 pm ET | |
Chivas de Guadalajara vs. LA Galaxy | Sunday, Aug. 4 - 10:30 pm ET | |
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Club Necaxa | Sunday, Aug. 4 - 10:30 pm ET |
Six other MLS teams face LIGA MX opposition on Sunday.
Atlanta vs. Santos Laguna: It's an elimination game, with the winner advancing to the Round of 32. Santos Laguna were played off the pitch by D.C. United in a 3-0 loss and will look to bounce back.
Orlando vs. San Luis: Orlando defeated CF Montréal, 4-1, to begin Leagues Cup. Now, they'll look to win their group against San Luis.
Pachuca vs. Toronto: After taking two points from their Leagues Cup opener, Toronto welcome the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup winners to BMO Field.
St. Louis vs. Juárez: Juárez are riding high after a 2-0 win over FC Dallas. Meanwhile, St. Louis are looking to build off a 2-1 victory vs. FC Dallas where new signings Marcel Hartel and Cedric Teuchert both scored.
Chivas vs. LA: All eyes are on Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who returns to Dignity Health Sports Park with Chivas to face the Galaxy.
Seattle vs. Necaxa: The lone MLS club to win the current interation of Concacaf Champions Cup, Seattle are always must-watch in continental competitions. They'll look to complete a perfect group stage following a 2-0 win over Minnesota United.
