Leagues Cup is back! The competition pitting MLS against their rivals form Mexico, Liga MX, has returned for 2024. LAFC are set to kickoff their competition this evening, hosting Club Tijuana. Despite the recent dip in form, LAFC have been one of the best teams in the MLS after overcoming a sluggish start to their season. As the MLS hits pause on league action during the Summer Olympic Games, clubs will stay fit during this competition, as the MLS look to keep hold of the trophy won by Inter Miami last season. Though this time around, LAFC want to be the ones lifting it.
Matchday: #LAFCvTIJ
⏰ 8:00 PM PT
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🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/IPjZcZ5BHc— LAFC (@LAFC) July 26, 2024
Into the unknown
For the fans, competitions like this are always fun because it comes with the added bonus of bragging rights. Being able to say, at least in this instance, which league is best, which MLS team is better than which Liga MX side, etc. For the players, there is a bit of that, but mostly its a chance to test yourself against competition you don’t normally see. A chance to experience a different playing style, different atmospheres from the neighboring league. There is also the sense of unknown, playing teams you either have never played before, or perhaps played once in a friendly. Now though, there is silverware on the line, and that always brings out the extra competitive spirits in players.
“It’s a new competition. The players will have to feel it out in the first 15 minutes” said LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo. “What does it look, what does it feel like. What’s the tempo like, are we having success are we not. These are all in game adjustments that will need to be made by the guys. What happened last year, in the past, doesn’t help anybody in the first 20 minutes. This is a competition we take seriously, and we want to get into the next round first and foremost, and from there go as far as we can go.”
Club Tijuana
The good news for LAFC is that they get to kickoff the competition from the comfort of their own stadium, as they will play in BMO tonight. The visitors, Tijuana, come into this one having just started their season in Liga MX with four matches played so far. They got off to a hot start winning their opening two matches, but have since dropped points in a draw and loss in their last two. They are going to be coming into LA looking to upset the giants of MLS to gain some confidence and push them forward in the season ahead.
How to Watch
Kickoff is set for 8:00pm PT from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. You can stream the broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV. Those looking for radio can find the broadcast on ESPN LA on 710AM.
Thoughts on the League Cup opener? Leave a comment below!