This match will be a high-stakes one, with Monday’s winner facing the first-place team from West Region Group 8 (a group that includes Atlas FC, Houston Dynamo FC and Real Salt Lake) in the Round of 32, while Monday’s loser visits reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew on Aug. 9 at Lower.com Field to begin the knockout stage.
Sporting and Toluca are no strangers on the pitch, having played several times in their history including last year in the 2023 Leagues Cup where Toluca eliminated Sporting in the knockout phase. Although it is not an official derby, the intensity of the games and the previous matches make it feel different.
Toluca arrives at Children’s Mercy Park after four undefeated games in the Loga MX opening tournament with two wins and two draws. In its first Leagues Cup match, Toluca won and finished off against Chicago Fire FC 3-1 after an intense match with a delay due to weather conditions.
Sporting, meanwhile, is in a good moment. The Kansas City team is in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals, and has won its first Leagues Cup match against Chicago Fire. Forward Willy Agada is on a scoring streak, leading the team with ten goals in all competitions. Another player who has made the difference has been Stephen Afrifa who has been a great playmaker with his speed and crosses.
