MLS clubs lead the way on Leagues Cup Matchday 3
Four MLS clubs and two Liga MX sides earned victories as Phase One continued with six matches on Thursday.
Miami - Leagues Cup 2026 continued Thursday with six matches as part of Phase One. The Concacaf-sanctioned competition pits MLS and Liga MX clubs, as they battle for the regional crown and three spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Four MLS clubs were victorious on the night while two Liga MX clubs secured three points on Matchday 3.
New York City FC 2-0 Club Santos Laguna
New York City FC shut out Club Santos Laguna 2-0 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, USA.
Tayvon Gray opened the scoring in the 50’ with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.
Nico Cavallo sealed the win and the three points for New York in the 66’ when he netted his first goal for the club.
Cruz Azul 1-0 Philadelphia Union
Cruz Azul outlasted Philadelphia Union 1-0 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA.
José Paradela netted the lone goal of the match in the 3’ for the reigning Liga MX champions.
Chicago Fire FC 2-0 Club Necaxa
Chicago Fire FC defeated Club Necaxa 2-0 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, USA.
The MLS side opened the scoring in the 31’ as Jonathan Dean’s left-footed strike found the back of the net.
Chicago put a stamp on the victory in the 69’ as Andrew Gutman made a run into the area, received a ball over the top and finished the chance.
Austin FC 2-0 Club Tijuana
Austin FC shut out Club Tijuana 2-0 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, USA.
Joseph Rosales opened the scoring in the 16’ with a left-footed shot from close range.
Jon Gallagher doubled the lead and helped secure the three points with his goal in the 45+2.
Club América 3-1 San Diego FC
Club América cruised to a 3-1 win over San Diego FC at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, Mexico.
It was the first Leagues Cup game ever to be played at the iconic venue.
Las Aguilas opened the scoring in 11’ with a great solo effort from Brian Rodríguez. They extended their lead when Érick Sánchez tapped in a cross from Rodríguez in the 33’.
Isaías Violante capped the three-goal first half with a strike off another Rodríguez assist in the 45+2’.
San Diego’s lone goal of the match came in the 63’ when Luca Bombino finished at the back post.
Portland Timbers 5-2 Club Puebla
The Portland Timbers rolled to a 5-2 win over Club Puebla at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Ariel Lassiter and Cole Bassett each notched a brace for the MLS club.
David Da Costa was the other scorer for the hosts, scoring a goal in the 38’, as part of a dominant offensive performance for the Timbers.
