In a thrilling Leagues Cup final between LAFC and Columbus Crew Sunday night, the excitement was tangible, with fans on the edge of their seats watching two of Major League Soccer’s best teams battle it out for supremacy.
LAFC, known for their glamour and star power, faced off against the Crew, a team renowned for their tactical prowess and style. The matchup featured some of the biggest names in the league, with France legend Olivier Giroud leading the charge for LAFC, and Colombian standout Cucho Hernandez spearheading the attack for Columbus. The coaching duel was equally intriguing, with Wilfried Nancy showcasing his skills as a rising star in the technical area.
During the game, a friend sent a text message that perfectly encapsulated the essence of the tournament. “Are you at this weird dumb tournament in Columbus?” he asked. “And why don’t they play games in Mexico?” These questions raised valid points about the tournament’s format and structure.
The Leagues Cup, created in 2019 as a joint venture between MLS and Liga MX, aimed to bring together the best teams from both leagues in a battle for continental dominance. The revamped format last year included every team from MLS and Liga MX, showcasing the top talent from both sides of the border. However, not everyone was thrilled with the changes.
Atlético San Luis head coach Domenec Torrent, a former MLS coach, expressed his frustrations with the tournament in a recent press conference. He criticized the lack of games in Mexico, highlighting the challenges faced by Mexican teams in adjusting to different climates and conditions while playing in the United States.
Despite efforts to attract fans, the Leagues Cup faced challenges in garnering widespread support. With MLS teams withdrawing from the U.S. Open Cup and fans protesting the tournament’s prioritization over longstanding competitions, the Leagues Cup struggled to gain momentum. While attendance figures showed a modest increase from the previous year, the overall reception was lukewarm, with empty seats visible at many matches.
The current state of Mexican soccer also played a role in the tournament’s reception, with Liga MX experiencing a decline in star power and the Mexican national team struggling to make an impact on the global stage. The once fiery rivalry between Mexico and the U.S. has lost its intensity, further dampening the tournament’s appeal.
As the Leagues Cup continues to evolve and adapt, it faces challenges in winning over fans and establishing itself as a premier competition in North American soccer. With criticisms and concerns looming over its future, the tournament must navigate a complex landscape to secure its position in the world of football.