In a highly anticipated showdown, Seattle Sounders FC will clash with Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup Round of 16, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup final on Monday evening.
The winner of this match-up will go on to face either LAFC or San Jose Earthquakes in the quarterfinals, inching closer to the coveted Aug. 25 final.
This World Cup-style tournament, featuring a total of 47 clubs – 18 from LIGA MX and 29 from MLS – has seen teams pause their domestic season in pursuit of glory in this month-long competition. The ultimate prize is to be crowned champion, with the added incentive of the top three finishers earning qualification for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Seattle Sounders FC made history in their previous encounter with Pumas UNAM, securing the 2022 CCC title with a 5-2 aggregate victory. This victory marked their status as MLS’ first modern-day champion in this prestigious continental tournament, earning them a place in the 2022 and 2025 FIFA Club World Cups.
Riding high on their recent success, Seattle heads into this clash with momentum following a convincing 3-1 win over Western Conference leaders LA Galaxy. Defenders Alex Roldan, Yeimar Gómez Andrade, and Jackson Ragen all found the back of the net in the Round-of-32 triumph.
On the flip side, Pumas UNAM are hungry for revenge after their defeat in the 2022 CCL final, where they suffered a 3-0 loss at the hands of Seattle two-plus years ago.
Under the guidance of manager Gustavo Lema, Pumas have undergone significant changes and now boast a revamped squad led by rising Mexican international César Huerta. The 23-year-old winger, who impressed as part of the LIGA MX All-Stars in last month’s MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, opened the scoring in their 2-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the Round of 16.
Despite their recent success, Pumas faced difficulties in navigating through their group stage matches. After a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Austin FC in their Leagues Cup opener, they needed a late goal from Rogelio Funes Mori to secure an eventual penalty kick shootout win over CF Monterrey, which secured their spot in the knockout stages.
With both teams hungry for success and a chance to continue their journey towards Leagues Cup glory, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between Seattle Sounders FC and Pumas UNAM.
