They were long shots to advance going in, but New York City FC did get a first-half lead over their Liga MX rivals, but couldn't build on it and instead surrendered two second-half goals to close Leagues Cup with a 2-1 loss at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
NYCFC plays a third Leagues Cup match in seven days in Harrison, New Jersey, still alive in the chase for a spot in the quarterfinals, but needing a big win over Necaxa and lots of help elsewhere in the competition.
An already-eliminated Necaxa side brings a few familiar ex-MLS faces to Sports Illustrated Stadium, and they'll be hoping to find some goals after scoring only one in two losses to open Leagues Cup.
The first two Leagues Cup matchdays set up plenty of meaningless third games for eliminated teams, gave 22 MLS teenagers real playing time, and showed that home-field advantage is still very real, even with a handful of games now played in Mexico.
Unpacking some of the highs and lows of Leagues Cup, Gotham FC's unbeaten run to the top of the NWSL, plus a preview of the rivalry clash between NYCFC and Philadelphia.
New York City FC fell behind, pulled back level with the Liga MX champions shortly before halftime, but suffered their first loss post-World Cup when José Paradela scored a late, deflected winner for Cruz Azul.
New York City needs a win if it hopes to keep pace with four other MLS teams to earn back-to-back victories to start Leagues Cup, but reigning Campeón de Campeones and Liga MX Clausura winners Cruz Azul won't be easy to beat.
Cruz Azul just opened Leagues Cup with a win in Philadelphia, and the recent winners of the Campeón de Campeones also feature numerous dangerous attacking options and a midfield anchored by a starter for Mexico during the 2026 World Cup.
A much-changed New York City lineup got past Santos Laguna at Sports Illustrated Stadium thanks to second-half goals from Tayvon Gray and Nico Cavallo, plus a six-save shutout from Matt Freese.
New York City FC begins a three-match Leagues Cup residency at Sports Illustrated Stadium as they face Santos Laguna for the first time ever while hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's unsuccessful Leagues Cup opener.
The Liga MX club based in Torreón enters its Leagues Cup opener against New York City FC with a new coach, a rebuilt backline, and a sputtering attack.
What went wrong in the draw with Toronto, plus talk of Nico Fernández Mercau's status, a new MLS commissioner, Mauricio Pochettino re-upping with the USMNT, and a preview of Leagues Cup and NYCFC's path through it.
