Club América Look To Erase Past Mistakes: Leagues Cup Preview vs Real Salt Lake
After a rocky start to the season, Club América now turns its focus to the Leagues Cup, a tournament that has haunted them in recent years. With dramatic exits in 2023 and 2024, Las Águilas will look to flip the script and finally live up to expectations in a competition that’s becoming increasingly important for Liga MX clubs. This year’s revamped format only raises the stakes. A top-four finish in the first stage is essential to qualify for the knockout rounds, meaning every game matters. América will face off against Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United, and the Portland Timbers. With pressure mounting after recent disappointments, a strong tournament run isn’t just expected, it’s necessary.
Leagues Cup Expectations: Win or Bust
As with every competition América enters, the expectation is to lift the trophy. That hasn’t changed, but the urgency has. In 2023, América arrived as the tournament’s most valuable squad, even with Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami. That star power didn’t translate into results, as they were eliminated in a dramatic penalty shootout by Nashville SC in the round of 16. In 2024, the narrative was different: back-to-back Liga MX titles and solid momentum. But once again, América fell short, this time in the quarterfinals to the Colorado Rapids, also on penalties.
This time, the pressure feels different. While América might not be the clear-cut favorite as in previous editions, the club has publicly acknowledged its intent to finally conquer this competition. Anything less than a victory in the final will be viewed as a failure. The Leagues Cup also offers a fresh chance at redemption against MLS clubs, a point of pride for both fanbases. América’s record against MLS sides in recent years has been shaky, and this is the opportunity to course-correct.
First Test: Real Salt Lake
América’s first opponent will be Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, July 30, in Salt Lake City, Utah. On paper, this is a matchup América should win. But if recent history has shown anything, it’s that no opponent can be taken lightly, especially not in the Leagues Cup. Real Salt Lake comes into the match in strong form, winning three of their last four MLS games. They’ve shown consistency and physicality, traits that have given América trouble in past matchups with MLS teams. Meanwhile, América is coming off a mixed run of form: two draws, one victory, and a demoralizing loss to Toluca in the Campeón de Campeones.
For Jardine’s squad, this match represents a clean slate. A second chance to restart the season. The team will need to overcome its recent mental and tactical lapses and rediscover the sharpness that made them back-to-back-to-back league champions. It won’t be an easy test, but it’s a winnable one, and a win could be the confidence jolt this squad desperately needs.
Predicted Starting XI vs Real Salt Lake
Manager André Jardine will likely field his strongest lineup after resting key players over the weekend against Necaxa. Set-piece defending remains a top concern, but with a full-strength squad available and no midweek Liga MX commitments, there are no excuses.
Predicted XI:
GK: Luis Malagón
DEF: Israel Reyes, Igor Lichnovsky, Sebastián Cáceres, Cristian Borja
MID: Jonathan dos Santos, Álvaro Fidalgo, Erick Sánchez
FWD: Alejandro Zendejas, Brian Rodríguez, Henry Martín
This lineup brings a balanced mix of experience, creativity, and speed. All eyes will be on Malagón in goal, whose confidence has taken a hit in recent weeks. The center-back duo of Lichnovsky and Cáceres will need to communicate well and remain organized. Offensively, Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez will be tasked with stretching the defense and creating chances for captain Henry Martín, who will look to lead by example and set the tone early.
Club América knows what’s at stake. The Leagues Cup isn’t just about silverware, it’s about identity, pride, and restoring faith in a fanbase that’s endured heartbreak after heartbreak. The journey begins Wednesday in Utah.