Leagues Cup Power Rankings: The Top-Ten After the Group Stage
We’re halfway through the Leagues Cup, and it’s time to take a closer look at the top-ten power rankings. With all teams having completed their group stage matches, we’ve analyzed the performances to bring you the most current and accurate ranking.
10. Juárez
Juárez has been a pleasant surprise in the competition, defeating FC Dallas in a convincing manner. With their win over St. Louis City crucial in the final matchday of the group stage, Los Bravos are poised to make a deep run in the knockout rounds.
9. Pachuca
The reigning Copa Libertadores champions have shown resilience, coming back from behind to defeat New York Red Bulls on penalties. Pachuca’s experience will be crucial in the knockout rounds as they look to win East Group 6 against Toronto.
8. Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake is an entertaining team to watch, and they will ride their attacking prowess to some degree of success this season. After overcoming Atlas with a stunning winner from Nelson Palacio, they will look to add more points to their tally in the knockout rounds.
7. D.C. United
D.C. United has been a surprise package in the tournament, scoring six goals in their first two games in East Group 7. The Black and Red have already secured a top spot and will take their momentum into the knockout rounds.
6. Toluca
Toluca has started the summer campaign strongly, remaining unbeaten in their opening four Apertura games. The Diablos Rojos kicked off Leagues Cup with a comfortable win over Chicago and now have a chance to win their group against Atlas.
5. Inter Miami
Messi-less Inter Miami has hardly missed a beat. Their win against Puebla, as well as their upcoming match against Tigres, presents a huge opportunity to advance in the competition.
4. Tigres
As the highest-ranked Liga MX team, Tigres’ impressive display in the group stage stands out. Their late winner against Puebla has them well-positioned to win their group after other Mexican heavyweights such as Chivas and Cruz Azul faltered.
3. LAFC
LAFC’s strong campaign continued in Group 7, with a 3-0 win against Tijuana and an exciting comeback against Vancouver in the dying minutes. The added boost of Olivier Giroud arriving soon could be the catalyst they need to make a deep run.
2. Portland Timbers
The Timbers have carried their MLS form into League Cup, securing two solid wins over León and Colorado to win their group. With four different goal-scorers in their 4-0 win over Colorado, the Cascadia club joins Austin FC as the only teams to record six points from their first two games.
1. Austin FC
Austin FC is the surprise package of the tournament, showcasing grit and determination in their wins against Pumas and Monterrey to clinch their group. With the Q2 crowd behind them and plenty of momentum heading into the knockout rounds, we can be in for a Leagues Cup upset.
What do you make of the top-ten? Any big omissions?
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