Nashville SC Welcomes Mazatlán FC in the Leagues Cup: A Comprehensive Guide
Nashville SC is set to host Mazatlán FC this Wednesday in the Leagues Cup, marking their third competition of the 2024 season alongside the ongoing MLS regular season and the recently concluded CONCACAF Champions Cup. As the Leagues Cup is still a relatively new concept to many soccer fans, let’s delve into the intricacies of this exciting tournament.
Understanding the Leagues Cup
The Leagues Cup is an annual tournament that brings together clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, Mexico’s premier professional league. This competition originated in 2019, featuring eight teams—four from each league—competing in a single-elimination format. Although the tournament was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it resumed in 2021 under the same format.
Evolution of the Tournament
- 2019-2021: Eight teams, single-elimination format.
- 2020: Not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2022: Transitioned to the Leagues Cup Showcase, consisting of five friendly matches between MLS and Liga MX teams.
In the 2022 Showcase, Nashville SC made its debut, playing to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Club América. The 2023 edition marked a significant shift, introducing a new format that included all 29 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams. The tournament spanned from July 21 to August 19, with both leagues pausing their regular seasons to accommodate the event. This format will continue in the 2024 competition.
Format and Structure of the Leagues Cup
The current structure of the Leagues Cup includes a group stage followed by a 32-team single-elimination knockout stage. The tournament is divided into two regions—East and West. In the East, there are seven groups of three teams each, while the West comprises eight groups. The defending champions of each league, currently the Columbus Crew and Club América, receive automatic berths in the knockout round.
Seeding and Group Stage
- Seeding: Teams are seeded based on their 2023 performance in their respective leagues.
- Group Composition: Each group consists of one team drawn from each of the three seeding pots.
- Match Format: Teams play each other once within their group. The top two teams by points advance to the knockout stage.
Key Dates and Venues
This year’s Leagues Cup kicked off on July 26, with the final scheduled for August 25. All matches are being played at MLS venues, although the top four Liga MX teams by seed—Club América, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tigres UANL—have “hub rights,” allowing them to host games at designated MLS stadiums.
Nashville SC’s Group and Matches
Nashville SC is placed in East Group 5, alongside the New England Revolution and Mazatlán FC. The group stage matches are pivotal for Nashville’s advancement to the knockout rounds.
- Upcoming Matches:
- Nashville vs. Mazatlán: Wednesday, 8 p.m. CT in Nashville.
- Nashville vs. New England Revolution: Tuesday, August 6, 6:30 p.m. CT in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
In the opening match of the group, New England defeated Mazatlán 1-0, setting the stage for Nashville to secure a spot in the knockout stage with a win against Mazatlán.
How the Knockout Stage Works
If Nashville wins its group, they will face the runner-up of East Group 1, which includes New York City FC, FC Cincinnati, and Querétaro, in the round of 32. Conversely, if Nashville finishes as the runner-up, they will compete against the winner of East Group 7, which features Atlanta United, D.C. United, and Santos Laguna.
Points and Advancement
- Regulation Wins: Worth three points.
- Ties: If a match is tied after 90 minutes, it goes directly to a penalty shootout. The shootout winner earns two points, and the loser gets one point.
- Knockout Matches: Also go straight to penalties if tied after 90 minutes, with the winner advancing to the next round.
Nashville SC’s Previous Leagues Cup Performance
In the previous year’s Leagues Cup, Nashville SC finished second in their group after defeating the Colorado Rapids and losing to Toluca. They advanced to the round of 32, where they triumphed over FC Cincinnati on penalties and outlasted Club América in the round of 16 after another dramatic penalty shootout.
Memorable Moments
- Quarterfinals: Nashville routed Minnesota United 5-0 at Geodis Park.
- Semifinals: Defeated Monterrey 2-0, earning the right to host Inter Miami in the final.
- Final: Faced Inter Miami, led by global superstar Lionel Messi. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Fafá Picault scoring for Nashville. The game went to penalties, where Inter Miami emerged victorious in the 11th round.
Rewards and Broadcast Information
The winner of the Leagues Cup earns an automatic berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 for the following season. The second- and third-place teams will qualify for the group stage of the CCC. Nashville SC participated in the CCC for the first time in 2024, reaching the round of 16 before being eliminated by Inter Miami.
Where to Watch
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
- Television: Select games broadcast by FOX Sports and Univision.
FAQs About the Leagues Cup
What is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is an annual tournament that features clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, Mexico’s top professional league.
How are teams selected for the Leagues Cup?
Teams are selected based on their performance in their respective leagues from the previous season. The defending champions of each league automatically enter the knockout stage.
How does the group stage work?
Teams are divided into groups based on seeding. Each team plays one match against every other team in its group. The top two teams by points advance to the knockout stage.
What happens if a group stage match ends in a draw?
If a group stage match is tied after 90 minutes, it proceeds directly to a penalty shootout. The winner of the shootout earns two points, while the loser gets one point.
Where are the Leagues Cup matches played?
All matches are played at MLS venues, with some Liga MX teams having “hub rights” to host games at specific MLS stadiums.
Who won the last Leagues Cup?
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, won the 2023 Leagues Cup, defeating Nashville SC in the final on penalties.
Conclusion
The Leagues Cup is rapidly becoming a significant event in North American soccer, bringing together top teams from MLS and Liga MX in a thrilling and competitive format. As Nashville SC prepares to face Mazatlán FC and the New England Revolution, fans can look forward to an exciting series of matches that may pave the way for further success in the knockout stages. With a blend of seasoned talent and rising stars, Nashville SC aims to make a deep run in this year’s tournament, building on their impressive performance from last year. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Leagues Cup offers a unique and engaging experience that showcases the best of North American soccer.
