If you didn’t catch the Club América vs Minnesota United clash in the Leagues Cup, honestly, you missed what might be the craziest game of the decade. People keep talking about Liga MX dominance, but the Loons basically looked the Mexican giants in the eye and didn’t blink. Most pundits expected a blowout. Instead, we got a 3-3 draw that felt more like a street fight than a soccer match, ending in an 8-7 penalty shootout that felt like it would never actually end.
It wasn't just a game; it was a statement. The match featured everything: a red card, an own goal, and a 90th-minute equalizer that broke Minnesota’s hearts. If you're looking for why this rivalry—if we can call it that yet—is suddenly the one everyone is circling on their calendars, it's because these two teams play like they genuinely dislike each other.
The Night the Loons Almost Toppled the Kings
Everyone knows Club América. They’re the winningest team in Mexico, the "Águilas" with the massive ego and the silverware to back it up. Minnesota United? They’re the scrappy underdogs from the North who are supposed to be happy just being there. But at Shell Energy Stadium, the script got tossed out the window about 17 minutes in when Tani Oluwaseyi slotted home a beautiful pass from Joaquín Pereyra.
The stadium went quiet. Or at least the yellow-clad half of it did.
América responded like they always do—with overwhelming pressure. It was high-octane, almost frantic. They forced an own goal off Michael Boxall’s head in the 27th minute, but Minnesota didn't fold. By the 31st minute, Bongokuhle Hlongwane put the Loons back on top. It stayed that way until halftime, with América looking rattled and Minnesota looking like they belonged.
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Why the Second Half Changed Everything
The second half was pure chaos. José Raúl Zúñiga leveled it for América in the 53rd, but then things got weird. Igor Lichnovsky, América's Chilean international, saw red in the 62nd minute after a desperate foul on Oluwaseyi. With a man advantage, Minnesota’s Carlos Harvey fired a rocket into the side netting. 3-2. Minnesota was minutes away from the biggest win in club history.
Then came the 90th minute. Sebastián Cáceres rose above everyone on a corner. Goal. 3-3.
The Penalty Shootout That Refused to Die
When a game ends in a draw in the Leagues Cup, there’s no extra time. It goes straight to the spot. This wasn't your average "five and done" shootout. This was an 8-round marathon. Both teams were perfect through seven kicks. It’s rare to see that kind of composure under that much heat.
- Round 1-7: Perfect. Every single player, including some defenders who looked terrified, found the net.
- The Hero: Luis Malagón. The América keeper finally got a hand to Nicolás Romero’s shot in the eighth round.
- The Result: Isaias Violante stepped up and buried his, giving América the 8-7 win.
Even though América took the extra point, the underlying numbers told a different story. Minnesota actually had a higher expected goals (xG) at 2.55 compared to América's 2.04. They had the same number of total shots (18). It’s one of those games where the loser left feeling like they won a lot of respect.
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 Rematch
So, when do we get to see Club América vs Minnesota United again? The 2026 Leagues Cup is already on the horizon. The tournament is set to run from August 4 to September 6, 2026. Because of their performance in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, Minnesota has secured their spot among the 18 MLS clubs participating.
América, as always, is a lock from the Liga MX side. The tournament format has changed a bit—it's now 36 teams total. They’ve split the regions into East and West, and with Minnesota’s 10th season in MLS kicking off this year, the energy around Allianz Field is different.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
If these two meet in the 2026 knockout rounds, keep an eye on the rosters. América has been busy. They just registered their Clausura 2026 squad, featuring Allan Saint-Maximin and the ever-reliable Henry Martín. They also brought in Rodrigo Dourado to shore up the midfield.
Minnesota has undergone a bit of a face-lift too. They’ve brought in experience like Tomás Chancalay and goalkeeper Drake Callender. While they lost some consistency with Robin Lod’s movement, Tani Oluwaseyi remains the danger man that gave América's backline nightmares last time out.
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What This Means for the MLS vs Liga MX Debate
For years, the narrative was that MLS teams couldn't handle the intensity of Liga MX giants. This specific matchup proved that the gap has basically closed. When you have a team like Minnesota United taking 64% possession against América and forcing them into a desperate 90th-minute equalizer, the "little brother" era of MLS is over.
América manager André Jardine admitted after the game that the pressure was immense. The Loons' low-block defense was incredibly disciplined, a trademark of Eric Ramsay’s coaching style. It wasn't a fluke; it was a tactical masterclass that only failed because of a single set-piece lapse at the very end.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the next Club América vs Minnesota United showdown, you should monitor the Leagues Cup ranking updates that will be released in July 2026. These rankings determine the group stage tiers and potential knockout paths. Since the tournament uses a "no draws" rule, expect another high-stakes shootout if they meet again. Make sure your Apple TV Season Pass is active by late July to catch the Phase One matches starting August 4, as these inter-league battles are no longer televised on standard cable in most regions.