Nashville SC Hosts Mazatlán FC in 2024 Leagues Cup: Everything You Need to Know
Nashville SC is set to host Mazatlán FC on Wednesday as part of the 2024 Leagues Cup, marking its third competition of the year alongside the ongoing MLS regular season and the recently concluded CONCACAF Champions Cup. This match is an integral part of the Leagues Cup, a relatively new tournament that has piqued the interest of soccer fans across North America.
Given that the Leagues Cup is still in its nascent stages and may be unfamiliar to many, it’s essential to understand how this tournament operates. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide on the structure, rules, and significance of the Leagues Cup, along with a closer look at Nashville SC’s journey and upcoming fixtures.
Understanding the Leagues Cup
What is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is an annual soccer competition that features clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, Mexico’s premier professional league. Initiated in 2019, the tournament initially saw participation from eight teams—four from each league—in a single-elimination format. The tournament was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2021 with the same format.
In 2022, the event was rebranded as the Leagues Cup Showcase, consisting of five friendly matches between MLS and Liga MX teams. Nashville SC made its debut during this edition, playing to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Club América.
Evolution of the Tournament
The 2023 Leagues Cup introduced a new format, involving all 29 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams. The tournament, which took place from July 21 to August 19, saw both leagues pausing their regular seasons to accommodate the competition. This break will continue for the 2024 edition as well, with both leagues halting their seasons for the duration of the tournament.
Notably, Inter Miami, led by global superstar Lionel Messi, clinched the 2023 Leagues Cup title by defeating Nashville SC on penalties in the final held at Geodis Park.
Format and Structure of the 2024 Leagues Cup
Group Stage and Knockout Phase
The 2024 Leagues Cup kicked off on July 26, with the final scheduled for August 25. The tournament features a group stage followed by a 32-team single-elimination knockout stage. The teams are divided into two regions—East and West. The East region comprises seven groups of three teams each, while the West region consists of eight similar groups.
- Automatic Knockout Berths: The defending champions of MLS and Liga MX, Columbus Crew and Club América respectively, received automatic berths in the knockout round.
- Seeding and Groups: The remaining 45 teams were seeded into three pots of 15 teams each, based on their 2023 league performance. Each group comprises one team from each pot.
- Advancement Criteria: Teams play each other once in the group stage, and the top two teams by points advance to the knockout stage, commencing on August 7.
Venue and Scheduling
All group stage matches are being played at MLS venues. However, the top four Liga MX teams by seed—América, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tigres UANL—have “hub rights,” allowing them to host games at designated MLS stadiums with scheduling priority over most other MLS teams. Dates, times, and locations for knockout-stage games will be announced after each round.
Nashville SC’s Group and Fixtures
Nashville SC is placed in East Group 5 alongside the New England Revolution and Mazatlán FC. Nashville hosts Mazatlán FC at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday and will travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to face the Revolution on Tuesday, August 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT.
- Current Standings: In the group’s opening match, New England defeated Mazatlán 1-0. This means Nashville can secure a spot in the knockout stage by defeating Mazatlán.
- Potential Knockout Opponents: If Nashville wins its group, it will face the runner-up of East Group 1, which includes New York City FC, FC Cincinnati, and Querétaro, in the round of 32. If Nashville finishes as the runner-up, it will challenge the winner of East Group 7, featuring Atlanta United, D.C. United, and Santos Laguna.
Points System and Match Rules
Points Allocation
- Regulation Wins: Worth three points.
- Draws: If a group-stage game is tied after 90 minutes, it goes directly to a penalty shootout. The winner of the shootout receives two points, while the loser earns one point.
- Knockout Stage: Matches that are tied after 90 minutes in the knockout stage will also go straight to penalties, with the winner advancing to the next round.
Nashville SC’s Previous Leagues Cup Performance
In the previous edition, Nashville SC finished second in its group after defeating the Colorado Rapids and losing to Toluca. The team then triumphed over FC Cincinnati on penalties in the round of 32 and outlasted Club América in a dramatic round of 16 match that also went to penalties.
Nashville SC’s journey continued as they routed Minnesota United 5-0 in the quarterfinals at Geodis Park and defeated Monterrey 2-0 in the semifinals. This set the stage for a historic final against Inter Miami, where Nashville fought valiantly but eventually lost in an 11-round penalty shootout.
FAQs About the Leagues Cup
What is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is an annual soccer competition featuring clubs from MLS and Liga MX.
When was the Leagues Cup first held?
The tournament began in 2019 but was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How are teams selected for the Leagues Cup?
Teams are selected based on their performance in their respective leagues, with specific seeding criteria applied.
What is the format of the Leagues Cup?
The tournament includes a group stage followed by a knockout stage, with teams divided into East and West regions.
How are points awarded in the Leagues Cup?
Regulation wins earn three points, while draws that go to penalties award two points to the winner and one point to the loser.
Conclusion
The Leagues Cup represents an exciting fusion of North American soccer talent, bringing together teams from MLS and Liga MX in a competitive and engaging format. As Nashville SC prepares to host Mazatlán FC, fans can look forward to thrilling matches and the potential for their team to advance further in the tournament. With high stakes, exciting gameplay, and the allure of international competition, the 2024 Leagues Cup promises to be a highlight of the soccer calendar.
