Get ready for a thrilling showdown as MLS and Liga MX teams clash in 45 epic games over the next week and a half, kicking off the highly anticipated Leagues Cup 2024!

The first match is July 26 at 8pm ET.

If you have not checked out my full preview of Leagues Cup 2024, check it out here. 👉 LEAGUES CUP 2024 PREVIEW

Ok, let’s get into the games…

Pumas +170: Austin have been just terrible midway through the 2024 MLS season. They have lost on xG in every single match (25 games played). Josh Wolff’s side have not found that magic that led them to the playoffs in their inaugural season.

On the other hand, Pumas have started well in the Apertura (3W-1D-1L). Pumas will press Austin when the Verde and Black have possession, and I think to success.

LAFC over 3: Likely a match with fireworks. LAFC have historic xG numbers (for MLS standards). Club Tijuana are a dark horse for me (and if they were not in a group with LAFC, I wanted to pick them to win their group). Led by three former MLS players – Emanuel Reynoso, Efrain Alvarez, and Joe Corona – Xolos have increased their xGF by 0.20 goals/90 from 2023 to 2024. MLS degens know Reynoso can score in a split second and from anywhere on the pitch. Should be a fun match!

Seattle -145: When the Sounders don’t receive a red card, they are one of the best teams in the league. Unfortunately, they have seen 6 red cards (T-1 with DC United). The Sounders are healthier now than at the beginning of the season and dominated the Loons last month.

Mazatlan +0.5: The Revolution are another team that has struggled in MLS, and I expect that to continue into Leagues Cup. Generating quality (or any) Open Play xG has been a challenge for Caleb Porter in his first season in Foxborough. Mazatlan have been a little unlucky to start the Apertura with a -6 GD but only a -1.2xGD. SAMPLE SIZE WARNING with only 4 games played but I like Los Cañoneros.

CD Guadalajara +140: The Cade Cowell Revenge Game™. After a $4M move from San Jose to Chivas in the winter, Cowell returns to his hometown looking to keep up his form against the Quakes as he has scored 3 goals in the 4 Apertura matches.

This match will be played it Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, and I fully expect it to be 80%+ Chivas supporters. VAMOS!

Houston u2.5: Just a numbers play. I have this match projected for 2.0 xG.

Good luck!