The San Jose Earthquakes are gearing up to kick off their Leagues Cup campaign this Saturday as they take on LIGA MX powerhouse Chivas de Guadalajara in what promises to be an electrifying cross-border clash at the NFL venue Levi’s Stadium.
Chivas and San Jose find themselves grouped together in Group West 2, along with their bitter rivals LA Galaxy. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, which is set to begin on August 7 with the Round of 32.
This unique World Cup-style tournament features a total of 47 clubs, with 18 teams hailing from LIGA MX and 29 representing MLS. For the duration of this month-long competition, teams will temporarily halt their domestic campaigns with their eyes set on lifting the prestigious trophy. In addition, the top three finishers will earn a coveted spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Chivas de Guadalajara boasts a rich history and is widely regarded as one of Mexico’s most successful clubs, having clinched an impressive 12 league titles. The team has also laid claim to two Concacaf Champions Cup victories, the most recent of which came in 2018.
Saturday’s showdown will also see the return of former San Jose wonderkid Cade Cowell, who made a sensational switch to Chivas in January for a record-breaking fee. The talented 20-year-old prodigy, who notched up a staggering 114 appearances for the Earthquakes from 2019 to 2023, quickly established himself as one of MLS’s brightest young talents before making the leap to LIGA MX.
Adding to the allure of the match-up is the presence of Mexico’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, in Chivas’ ranks. The iconic striker recently rejoined his childhood club following a successful stint with the LA Galaxy, where he piled up an impressive 38 goals and 6 assists in 74 matches.
With both teams boasting an abundance of talent and an insatiable hunger for victory, fans can expect a scintillating clash when the two giants of North American soccer collide in what promises to be an unforgettable Leagues Cup encounter.
