Orlando City SC, the pride of the MLS, is set to face off against the mighty Cruz Azul from Liga MX in a thrilling Leagues Cup Round of 32 showdown on Friday night. The winner of this highly-anticipated match will advance to the Round of 16 and potentially face off against either D.C. United or Mazatlán FC in the next round.
This World Cup-style tournament has brought together 47 clubs from both Liga MX and MLS, all vying for the chance to be crowned champion. With 18 teams from Liga MX and 29 from MLS, the competition is fierce as teams put their domestic seasons on hold for a shot at glory. The top three finishers will even qualify for the prestigious 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Orlando City has been in top form during the group stage, dominating their opponents with an impressive 4-1 victory over CF Montréal and a hard-fought 5-4 penalty shootout win against Atlético de San Luis after a 1-1 draw. The Lions currently sit at the top of East 2 and are looking to continue their winning ways against Cruz Azul.
The Lions boast a formidable attacking lineup, with star player Ramiro Enrique leading the charge. Enrique has been on a scoring spree, finding the back of the net in six consecutive matches. Facundo Torres has also been a key contributor, leading the team with 13 goal contributions (8 goals, 5 assists) in MLS play.
On the other side of the pitch, Cruz Azul has had a bit of a rocky start in the Leagues Cup, narrowly qualifying for the Round of 32 with a tense 5-3 penalty shootout win over Philadelphia Union. Despite finishing second in East 4 after a tough loss to Charlotte FC in penalties, Cruz Azul remains a formidable opponent with their strong performance in the Liga MX Apertura.
With three wins and a draw under their belt, Cruz Azul is currently tied at the top of the Liga MX Apertura table. The team has been in fine form, scoring nine goals while conceding just one. Despite their struggles in the group stage, Cruz Azul is determined to show their strength and make a deep run in the Leagues Cup.
As the stage is set for this epic clash between Orlando City and Cruz Azul, fans can expect a thrilling match filled with excitement, drama, and plenty of goals. It’s a showdown that could go down in Leagues Cup history, and both teams will be fighting tooth and nail for a chance to advance and continue their quest for cup glory.
