Nashville SC vs. Mazatlán FC: An In-Depth Look at the 2024 Leagues Cup
Nashville SC is set to host Mazatlán FC on Wednesday as part of the 2024 Leagues Cup, adding to their active MLS regular season and the recently completed CONCACAF Champions Cup. As the Leagues Cup is still relatively new and unfamiliar to many soccer fans, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the tournament’s structure and significance.
The Genesis and Evolution of the Leagues Cup
Origins and Initial Format
The Leagues Cup is an annual competition featuring clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s top-division professional league, Liga MX. Initiated in 2019, the inaugural tournament featured eight teams—four from each league—competing in a single-elimination format. The tournament followed the same structure in 2021, having taken a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transition to the Showcase Format
In 2022, the Leagues Cup was rebranded as the Leagues Cup Showcase. Instead of a full tournament, the event comprised five friendly matches between MLS and Liga MX teams. Nashville SC made its debut in this iteration, drawing 3-3 against Club América.
The Modern Format
The 2023 edition marked the beginning of the current format, with all 29 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams participating. The tournament ran from July 21 to August 19, with both leagues pausing their regular seasons to accommodate the competition. This format is set to continue in 2024, with another season break for both leagues.
Structure and Key Features of the 2024 Leagues Cup
Group Stage and Knockout Stage
The 2024 Leagues Cup commenced on July 26 and will conclude with the final on August 25. The tournament features a group stage, followed by a 32-team single-elimination knockout stage. The competition is divided into two regions—East and West. The East consists of seven three-team groups, while the West has eight.
- Group Stage: Teams are seeded based on their 2023 performance in their respective leagues and divided into three pots of 15 teams each. Each group includes one team from each pot. Teams play each other once, and the top two teams by points advance to the knockout stage.
- Knockout Stage: The knockout stage begins on August 7. Matches are held at MLS venues, but the top four Liga MX teams—América, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tigres UANL—have “hub rights” to host games at designated MLS stadiums.
Automatic Berths and Seeding
The defending champions of each league, Columbus Crew (MLS) and América (Liga MX), receive automatic berths in the knockout round. The remaining 45 teams are seeded based on their 2023 league performances.
- Points System: Wins in regulation earn three points. If a group-stage game ends in a tie after 90 minutes, it goes straight to a penalty shootout. The winner of the shootout earns two points, and the loser earns one. Knockout-stage matches also proceed to penalties if tied after regulation, with the winner advancing.
Nashville SC’s Journey and Prospects
Group Stage Assignments
Nashville SC is placed in East Group 5, along with the New England Revolution and Mazatlán. Nashville will host Mazatlán 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.
- Recent Performance: New England defeated Mazatlán 1-0 in the group’s opening match on Saturday. A win for Nashville against Mazatlán would secure their place in the knockout stage.
Potential Knockout Stage Matchups
Should Nashville win its group, they would face the runner-up of East Group 1, which includes New York City FC, FC Cincinnati, and Querétaro. If Nashville finishes as runner-up, they would face the winner of East Group 7, which consists of Atlanta United, D.C. United, and Santos Laguna.
Highlights from Previous Seasons
2023 Performance
In the 2023 Leagues Cup, Nashville SC finished second in their group after defeating the Colorado Rapids and losing to Toluca. They then triumphed over Cincinnati on penalties in the round of 32 and outlasted América in the round of 16 after another penalty shootout.
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Nashville routed Minnesota United 5-0 in the quarterfinals at Geodis Park and defeated Monterrey 2-0 in the semifinals. This earned them the right to host Inter Miami for their first-ever trophy.
- Final Match: In the final, Fafá Picault equalized Lionel Messi’s first-half goal, pushing the game to penalties tied at 1-1. However, Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender denied Nashville’s Elliot Panicco in the 11th round, securing the championship for Inter Miami.
Broadcasting and Viewing Options
Streaming and Television Coverage
The 2024 Leagues Cup will be available for streaming through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Select games will also be broadcast on FOX Sports and Univision, offering fans multiple ways to follow the action.
FAQs
What is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is an annual soccer tournament featuring clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, Mexico’s top-division professional league.
How are teams seeded in the Leagues Cup?
Teams are seeded based on their performance in their respective leagues during the previous season. The seeding determines the group stage matchups.
What is the format of the tournament?
The tournament consists of a group stage followed by a 32-team single-elimination knockout stage. The competition is divided into East and West regions.
How are points awarded in the group stage?
Wins in regulation earn three points. Ties after 90 minutes go to penalties, with the winner earning two points and the loser earning one.
Where are the matches played?
All matches are played at MLS venues. However, the top four Liga MX teams have “hub rights” to host games at designated MLS stadiums.
Conclusion
The 2024 Leagues Cup promises to be an exciting tournament, bringing together top teams from MLS and Liga MX in a unique and competitive format. With Nashville SC eager to build on their previous successes, the upcoming matches against Mazatlán and New England Revolution will be crucial in determining their path in the competition. Fans can look forward to exhilarating soccer action, both through live broadcasts and streaming options, as the tournament unfolds.
