Club América wins the battle against the Timbers, but loses the war.
Danny Jefferson | August 6, 2025
The Leagues Cup group stage clash between the Portland Timbers and Club América at Q2 Stadium delivered plenty of drama, ending 1–1 in regulation before América claimed the bonus point in a penalty shootout. Portland looked in control for long stretches, but a second-half red card changed the game’s rhythm and ultimately forced the Timbers to settle for a share of the spoils.
Portland got the perfect start just seven minutes in when Ariel Lassiter slipped behind the defense and coolly chipped the goalkeeper to put the Timbers in front. The goal set the tone early, as Portland pressed with energy and disrupted América’s buildup, leaving the Mexican giants chasing the game. By the half-hour mark, Portland’s defensive organization was paying off, with América struggling to carve out anything clear in attack.
The Timbers maintained that composure until the second half, but everything shifted in the 53rd minute. Defender Jimer Fory was shown a red card for a foul near midfield, reducing Portland to ten men. Almost immediately, América capitalized on their advantage from a set piece. Ramón Juárez powered home a header from a corner, pulling the sides level and injecting momentum back into América’s play.
From that point forward, it became a test of Portland’s resilience. Down a man, the Timbers sat deeper and looked to hit on the counter when possible, with Lassiter and Felipe Mora working hard to hold up play and relieve the pressure. América dominated possession and pushed numbers forward, but Portland’s back line held firm under the wave of attacks.
As the clock wound down, both sides had half-chances to find a winner. América relied heavily on crosses and shots from distance, while Portland attempted to spring forward quickly whenever they regained the ball. Neither side could break through, and after 90 minutes the match was destined to be settled by penalties.
In the shootout, América showed their composure, converting all five of their spot kicks with confidence. Portland were equally assured until Kamal Miller’s effort was stopped, handing América a 5–3 victory from the spot and the valuable bonus point. It was a cruel ending for the Timbers after such a disciplined defensive performance.
For Portland, the draw in regulation kept them unbeaten in the group stage and underscored their defensive solidity, conceding only once in three matches. Still, the extra point lost in penalties could prove costly as their advancement now depends on results elsewhere in the group.
América, meanwhile, leave the tournament with mixed emotions. Their performance fell below the usual expectations for one of Mexico’s most storied clubs, yet the shootout win offered at least some relief. They will turn their attention back to Liga MX play with questions to answer about their consistency.
Statistically, Portland’s resilience was the story of the night. Even with ten men, they managed to keep América from creating many dangerous openings in open play, showcasing discipline and commitment. The Timbers showed they can compete with one of the region’s biggest clubs, though the red card and penalty misfortune proved decisive.
Ultimately, this match embodied the intensity of the Leagues Cup format. It had an early breakthrough, a game-changing red card, a set-piece equalizer, and the high-stakes drama of a penalty shootout. Portland may feel they left points on the table, while América walk away with the bonus—but both clubs know their margins for success in this competition are razor-thin.
Club América Rallies Late, Beats Minnesota United in Shootout After 3–3 Draw
Danny Jefferson | August 2, 2025
HOUSTON — Club América and Minnesota United delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the Leagues Cup group stage, playing to a 3–3 draw before América edged the Loons 8–7 in a tense penalty shootout. The energy inside Shell Energy Stadium was undeniable, with both teams pushed by passionate fanbases and a high-stakes atmosphere that didn’t let up from kickoff to the final save.
Minnesota came out swinging. The Loons silenced much of the early América crowd by jumping out to a 2–0 lead in the first half. Tani Oluwaseyi opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing off a clean build-up with a low strike past Luis Malagón. Bongokuhle Hlongwane doubled the advantage in the 31st with a curling finish that left América’s defense flat-footed.
América pulled one back early in the second half through Raúl Zúñiga, but Minnesota answered once again in the 65th minute when Carlos Harvey slotted home a quick counterattack to make it 3–1. That seemed to seal it — until América stormed back. A quick response brought the match to 3–2, and in the 90th minute, Sebastián Cáceres sent the stadium into chaos with a bullet header that tied it at the death.
From the opening whistle, the atmosphere inside Shell Energy Stadium was nothing short of electric. Club América’s fans showed up in force, filling the venue with flags, smoke, and nonstop chants. Every touch was met with roars, and when América clawed their way back into the match, the response from the stands was deafening.
Minnesota United supporters were fewer in number but made their presence known. Their section pulsed with energy, singing and urging their team on through every counterattack. The crowd’s intensity mirrored the action on the pitch — both sides feeding off the other, each goal lifting the energy higher.
By the time the penalty shootout began, the tension could be felt everywhere. Fans from both clubs stood locked in place, barely able to breathe. When Malagón made the deciding save, Club América’s side of the stadium erupted, flares lighting up and chants echoing long after the final whistle.
In the shootout, both teams were nearly flawless from the spot. América buried their first eight penalties, and Minnesota kept pace — until Malagón guessed right on the ninth attempt and punched away the match-winner. The 8–7 win secured two crucial points for América, while Minnesota left with one.
América’s midfield adjustments played a big part in the comeback. Álvaro Fidalgo and Richard Sánchez helped tilt the game in the second half, controlling possession and stretching Minnesota’s backline. Substitutes injected needed urgency, keeping América’s foot on the gas in the closing moments.
Minnesota, despite the result, showed real attacking class. Oluwaseyi and Hlongwane were constant threats, and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made key saves to protect the lead. But late defensive lapses proved costly — a lesson they’ll have to correct quickly with their final group game looming.
The result leaves Group Stage standings wide open. Club América holds a strong position heading into their next fixture, while Minnesota now finds itself in must-win territory. With both clubs showing quality — and drama — this group could go down to the wire.
Mazatlán FC Outclasses Houston Dynamo 2–0 in Leagues Cup Group Stage
Danny Jefferson | August 1, 2025
HOUSTON — Mazatlán FC made their trip to Shell Energy Stadium count, walking away with a comfortable 2–0 win over Houston Dynamo in tonight’s Leagues Cup group stage matchup. Houston came in looking for their first win, but Mazatlán took control early and never let up.
The first goal came in the 25th minute when Mazatlán’s Facundo Almada got on the end of a perfectly placed corner from Nicolás Benedetti. Almada rose above the defense and headed it past Pedro Cruz at the near post. Cruz, making his debut for the Dynamo, was tested throughout the night and found himself under pressure constantly.
Houston had moments where they looked threatening, especially toward the end of the first half. Femi Awodesu smashed a shot off the crossbar in stoppage time, and Erik Dueñas nearly finished the rebound, but Mazatlán keeper Ricardo Gutiérrez made a crucial save right on the line. It was one of six saves on the night for Gutiérrez, who walked away with a clean sheet.
Mazatlán doubled their lead in the 57th minute after a Houston turnover in midfield. Benedetti again played provider, this time slipping in Fábio Gomes with a long through ball. Gomes split the defense and calmly finished at the near post, making it 2–0.
Houston dominated possession most of the night, with over 60% of the ball and 17 total shots, but they just couldn’t find the final touch. Their build-up play looked sharp at times, but Mazatlán’s back line held strong and denied any real breakthroughs in the second half.
Mazatlán kept the tempo in their favor and closed out the match with confidence. Houston threw numbers forward late, hoping to get back in it, but nothing came of it. The result puts Mazatlán in a strong position in their group, while Houston is still looking for their first win in this Leagues Cup campaign.
Mazatlán now looks ahead to their next match with real momentum, while Houston faces a tough challenge trying to bounce back and stay in the tournament.
Houston’s frustration was evident in the second half. Several close-range chances went begging, and their inability to break down Mazatlán’s low block started to wear on them. Ibrahim Aliyu had a golden opportunity in the 72nd minute but fired his shot just wide of the post. Moments later, Charles Auguste saw his volley blocked inside the box. The Dynamo lacked sharpness in the final third, and it proved costly.
For Mazatlán, it was a statement win — not just in terms of the scoreline, but in how they managed the game from start to finish. Benedetti’s creativity in midfield dictated the rhythm, while the back line led by Néstor Vidrio stayed composed under pressure. Manager Ismael Rescalvo praised his team’s discipline post-match, saying the players “executed the game plan with maturity and confidence.”
The win moves Mazatlán up the standings in Group B and positions them well heading into their final group match. For Houston, the task now becomes must-win territory if they hope to keep their tournament hopes alive. They'll need a turnaround — and quickly — with everything on the line in their next fixture.