The Seattle Sounders are set for a dramatic showdown as they host Liga MX giants Cruz Azul in their opening match of the 2025 Leagues Cup on Thursday, July 31. The clash at Lumen Field, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT, is more than just a tournament opener; it’s a chance for redemption after a painful exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC) at the hands of the very same opponent earlier this year.
The memory of that CCC Round of 16 tie remains fresh. After a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Seattle, the Sounders were decisively eliminated in the return leg in Mexico City on March 11, falling 4-1. Cruz Azul went on to lift the CCC trophy, a fact that adds another layer of motivation for the Rave Green. “This is a really good team,” said Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “Looking forward to a little bit of a rematch.”
Midfielder Albert Rusnák echoed that sentiment, highlighting the significance of the opponent. “[Cruz Azul] ended up winning the Champions Cup. So, I think that gives us a little bit more motivation and a little bit more drive that we want to beat them even more,” Rusnák stated. He described the Mexican side as “one of the hardest teams he’s dealt with since coming to MLS,” noting their aggressive, high-paced style.
Both teams enter the tournament in solid, if not perfect, form. The Sounders are riding a six-game unbeaten streak in MLS play, though three of those matches were draws. They currently sit fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 10 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses. Their recent games have been high-scoring affairs, including a 3-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes and a 3-3 draw with the Colorado Rapids. Cruz Azul, who finished third in the 2025 Apertura, have started their Clausura campaign with one win and two draws. They arrive in Seattle following a 4-1 victory over León in their last outing.
However, the Sounders will have to navigate the challenge with a depleted roster. The team will be without several key players due to injury, including João Paulo (knee), Jordan Morris (shoulder), Paul Arriola (knee), and goalkeeper Stefan Frei (head). On a positive note, newly signed midfielder Snyder Brunell will be available for selection. Cruz Azul is also missing a key player, with Andres Montano sidelined with a knee injury.
Cruz Azul has undergone some changes since the last meeting, now led by new coach Nicolás Larcamón and featuring a refreshed roster that includes former Club Necaxa midfielder José Paradela. A player to watch will be striker Ángel Sepúlveda, who was the top scorer in the CCC with nine goals and found the net in the 4-1 victory over Seattle. According to betting analysts, his scoring prowess makes him a significant threat, especially against a Sounders defense that has kept just one clean sheet in its last 11 matches.
Given the offensive firepower and recent defensive records of both clubs, many predict an open, high-scoring contest. Betting odds reflect a tight match, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing Cruz Azul as a slight favorite at +115, while the Sounders are at +195. A victory for Seattle would not only provide a measure of revenge but also set a positive tone for their Leagues Cup campaign and the remainder of the MLS season. The match will be broadcast nationally on FS1, UniMás, and TUDN, and available for streaming on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
