Leagues Cup Disaster & Preview vs Portland Timbers Feat. Adam Susman From The Timber Review Podcast
Club América’s Leagues Cup campaign has gotten off to a turbulent start, and fans are already voicing their frustration. After an opening loss on penalties to Real Salt Lake and a chaotic 3–3 draw (and eventual shootout win) against Minnesota United, Las Águilas now find themselves in a must-win scenario. In this episode of The Eagle Eye Podcast, host Ivan Pineda breaks down everything that’s gone wrong so far, explores the transfer bombshell involving Allan Saint-Maximin, and welcomes Adam Susman from The Timbers Review Podcast to preview the decisive matchup against Portland.
América’s Leagues Cup Struggles Continue
It’s been a tale of defensive lapses, lack of identity, and an América side that looks mentally drained. Ivan opens the episode by dissecting the costly mistakes against Real Salt Lake, including a horror show from Israel Reyes that gifted the hosts multiple goals. Despite a brilliant free-kick equalizer from Brian Rodríguez, América couldn’t convert chances and eventually fell short in the penalty shootout.
The trend continued against Minnesota United, with América once again conceding early. Defensive errors, including a red card to Igor Lichnovsky, almost doomed them before a late comeback sent the game to penalties. Though América held their nerve from the spot this time, the underlying issues remain, this team lacks confidence, cohesion, and leadership in critical moments.
“It feels like Sunday league mistakes… you just can’t excuse this level of sloppiness at Club América.” – Ivan Pineda
Transfer Bombshell: Allan Saint-Maximin Joins América
One of the few bright spots this week? Transfer news. Club América have reportedly secured the signing of Allan Saint-Maximin, the flashy 28-year-old French winger formerly of Newcastle. Ivan reacts to the surprise move, praising the club’s ambition but cautioning that one big-name addition won’t fix systemic problems.
América still need a replacement for Jonathan dos Santos, and rumors continue to swirl around names like Guido Rodríguez and Alan Palavacino. With foreigner spots limited and Brian Rodríguez attracting interest from abroad, the transfer window is far from over.
Portland Preview with Adam Susman
To close the show, Ivan is joined by Adam Susman, Timbers broadcaster and host of The Timbers Review Podcast, to preview Wednesday night’s critical Leagues Cup clash. Portland enter the match in top form, unbeaten and yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Adam offers insights into their recent tactical switch to a three-at-the-back system, highlights young standout defender Zac McGraw, and explains what Club América should expect from this disciplined, transition-heavy Timbers squad.
“This is the Portland Timbers’ biggest match since the 2021 MLS Cup. Everyone’s up for it, and they want to eliminate Club América.” – Adam Susman
From América’s point of view, it’s do or die. The team must win, and likely by multiple goals, to have a shot at advancing. Ivan lays out the tactical keys: high press, clinical finishing, and hoping the likes of Fidalgo, Zendejas, and Henry Martín can carry the weight.
Final Thoughts
This Leagues Cup campaign may already be slipping away, but a strong showing against Portland could change the narrative. América need belief, balance, and a spark to lift the gloom. As Ivan puts it: “There’s still time. But it’s running out fast.”
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