Full Breakdown
MLS Clubs Bow Out of 2026 Leagues Cup Quarterfinals
8/27/2026, 11:34:23 AM
Background & Context
The 2026 Leagues Cup pits Major League Soccer (MLS) teams against clubs from Mexico’s Liga MX. After an unbeaten Phase One, both the Columbus Crew and Austin FC entered the quarterfinal round with hopes of advancing to the semifinals. Their opponents—Liga MX giants Club América and Toluca FC—arrived with strong domestic records and a history of success in regional competitions.
Match Summaries
Columbus Crew vs. Club América
The Crew faced Club América at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California on Wednesday night. América took a 2-0 lead before halftime, scoring in the 11th minute through attacking midfielder Raphael Veiga and adding a second six minutes into stoppage time via Brian Rodríguez. Columbus created eight shots on target and posted an expected-goals edge of 3.2 to 1.9, but goalkeeper Rodolpho Cota recorded eight saves, including a penalty-kick stop by newly signed forward Brais Méndez that could have tied the match. The Crew’s loss extended their winless streak to four games across all competitions.
Austin FC vs. Toluca FC
Austin FC met Toluca FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, also on Wednesday night. Toluca earned a 2-0 victory, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute (Helinho) after a foul on Jesús Ángulo. A second goal came in stoppage time (Jorge Díaz Price). Austin’s effort was hampered by a red card just before halftime, reducing them to ten men, and a subsequent second sending-off left them with nine players. Despite a strong defensive showing earlier in the tournament, the Verde & Black could not find a breakthrough.
Data & Statistics
| Team | Score | Shots on Target | Saves (Goalkeeper) | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Crew | 0 | 8 | Rodolpho Cota – 8 | Penalty missed by Brais Méndez (40’) |
| Club América | 2 | — | — | Goals: Raphael Veiga (11’), Brian Rodríguez (45+6’) |
| Austin FC | 0 | — | Brad Stuver – several key saves | Red cards: José Rosales (40’), Ilie Sánchez (74’) |
| Toluca FC | 2 | — | — | Goals: Helinho (PK, 53’), Jorge Díaz Price (90+7’) |
Official Statements & Responses
Defender Brendan Hines-Ike, speaking after Austin’s loss, emphasized the squad’s commitment: “At this point of the season, it’s every player, whether you’re playing or not, is bought in.”
What’s Next
The Columbus Crew return to MLS action on the scheduled weekend of August 30, facing the New England Revolution at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Austin FC’s next MLS fixture is slated for the scheduled weekend of August 29, when they travel to Portland to meet the Timbers.
Both clubs aim to translate the lessons from their Leagues Cup exits into improved form as the regular season progresses.
