Orlando City SC is set for a formidable challenge as they face reigning Liga MX champions Deportivo Toluca FC in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup. The high-stakes, neutral-site match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with kickoff expected around 8:50 p.m. ET. This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, promising a thrilling clash between two of North America’s most in-form teams.
The Lions enter the quarterfinal riding a wave of momentum. The team is currently on a four-game winning streak across all competitions and boasts an impressive 6-0-1 record in their last seven matches. During this dominant stretch, Orlando has been a scoring machine, netting 21 goals. Their most recent victory, a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, was a landmark achievement for Head Coach Oscar Pareja, marking his 100th win with the club, according to a report from Orlando City SC’s official website.
At the heart of Orlando’s attack is midfielder Martín Ojeda, who is in sensational form. Ojeda has registered a goal or an assist in fifteen consecutive matches, a club record. He was a standout performer in the Leagues Cup group stage, contributing three goals and three assists. He is now just one goal contribution away from tying Facundo Torres’ all-time club record of 72.
For the crucial match, Orlando City has confirmed its starting lineup, with Alex Freeman, César Araújo, and Iván Angulo returning to the XI. The full lineup features Pedro Gallese in goal, a backline of Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and David Brekalo, with a midfield of Marco Pašalić, César Araújo, Eduard Atuesta, and Iván Angulo, supporting forwards Martín Ojeda and Luis Muriel, as announced on orlandocitysc.com.
Their opponent, Deportivo Toluca, presents a significant hurdle. Known as Los Diablos Rojos, they are one of Mexico’s most decorated clubs, having won 11 Liga MX titles. They secured the Clausura 2025 championship and have lost just one of their last 14 games. Toluca is managed by the legendary Antonio Mohamed, who has won the Liga MX title with four different clubs.
Toluca’s attack is spearheaded by Portuguese striker Paulinho, who is the current top scorer in the Leagues Cup with four goals in three games. Last season, he won the Liga MX Golden Boot with 25 goals. He is complemented by Mexican international winger Alexis Vega, who recorded 12 goals and 11 assists last season. While their offense is potent, averaging two goals per match in the tournament, their defense has shown vulnerability, a factor Orlando City will look to exploit.
This quarterfinal could be a high-scoring affair, as both teams have demonstrated exceptional offensive capabilities. Orlando City has scored in each of their last five matches within the first 15 minutes, while Toluca has seen both teams score in all three of their tournament games so far. With a spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals on the line, this clash between an MLS powerhouse and a Liga MX giant is poised to be one of the tournament’s most compelling matchups.
