Photo by Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union (#5 seed) vs Cruz Azul (#4 seed)
What: 2026 Leagues Cup, Matchday 1
Where: Subaru Park
When: Thursday, August 6th, 8 PM
Watch: Apple TV, FS1, UniMás
Whistle: TBA

The Philadelphia Union make their return to the Leagues Cup Thursday when they host Liga MX champions Cruz Azul. The Union are riding a hot streak under Interim Manager Ryan Richter but could use a deep cup run to salvage what might be a lost season. In Cruz Azul, they will face a tough test against one of the premier teams on the continent. La Máquina were crowned Liga MX champions just a few months ago, and with much of the same squad in tow, they should come into this match brimming with confidence

Scouting report: Cruz Azul (T-W-W-W-L)

Who are ya?

Historically, Cruz Azul is one of the most storied clubs on the continent, and one of the most successful teams in Mexico. After a period of dominance in the 70’s, Las Liebres fell victim to a long drought. However, in the past few years they have rediscovered their old form.

Recent successes include the 2026 Clausura Liga MX title, the 2026 Campéon de Campeones, and a victory in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup to become the joint most successful club in the competition (7x champions, shared with Club América).

Coaching Style & Personnel of Interest

Interestingly, current Head Coach Joel Huiqui was initially installed as the Interim Manager in the middle of the 2026 Clausura. It was the former Cruz Azul player’s first appointment at the senior level. Despite this, he acquitted himself well, and led La Máquina to a league title, posting an undefeated record of 6 wins and 2 ties, and earning a permanent role. Under Huiqui, Los Cementeros have proven themselves to be tactically flexible and capable of late comebacks. 

When it comes to personnel, Cruz Azul have a few players to key in on. At winger, José Paradela is both a creative presence and a proven goalscorer. During the recent Clausura, he led the team with 7 goals and 5 assists in 23 appearances

While he has had a slower start this season – only managing 1 assist from 3 league games – the Argentinian put in a man of the match performance in the Campéon de Campeones. He scored 2 goals and added an assist to help La Máquina defeat Toluca 3-1. What’s more, he appeared against the MLS All-Stars, scoring a goal in 44 minutes of play.

Jeremy Márquez has been another top performer. The versatile player has lined up in both midfield and defense for Los Celestes, with Huiqui mainly deploying him at right back. However, Márquez is still a threat on offense, and already has 2 goals and an assist in 4 appearances this season.

At goalkeeper, both Kevin Mier and Andrés Gudiño provide solid cover in net. Mier has been the usual starter since arriving in 2024 – even winning Best Goalkeeper during the 2025 CCC campaign – but Gudiño drew the start in the most recent match, a 2-3 loss to Atlante. 

• Injury report: OUT: Amaury Morales (Knee), 
• Suspended: N/a

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union (T-L-W-W-W)

Vibe Check

The vibes are reportedly back in Union land. After a miserable first half of the season, front office and coaching changes over the World Cup break seem to have worked wonders. Ryan Richter’s appointment to Interim Manager, and Kai Wagner’s return, have almost completely shifted the narrative around the team. It’s only been a run of 3 wins, but the surrounding context of those results should restore some faith to the Philly fanbase. 

Realistically, the playoffs are still an uncertainty. It’s unlikely the team wins all of their remaining MLS games – even if recent form indicates a strong finish is possible. To that end, Richter and the Union’s coaching staff may well view this competition as the team’s best chance at both a trophy & of making CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Statistics and History

The Union have performed well in their previous two runs in the cup, grabbing a bronze medal in 2023 and a 4th placed finish in 2024. Each was high enough to qualify Philadelphia for CCC. Overall, the Union have posted 7 wins – 5 ties – 2 losses in Leagues Cup play. However, this match will be Richter’s, and 17 of the Philly players’, debuts in the Leagues Cup. 

Against Liga MX teams, the Boys in Blue have a less than stellar record at 3 wins – 2 ties – 5 losses all-time, but all of those losses have come in CONCACAF play. 

In their one prior meeting, during the 2024 edition of the cup, the Union eked out a draw, but ultimately missed out on the extra point by losing in the shootout. Although they were outperformed, it should be noted that the Union had mathematically clinched the group, and rested several starters.

Richter’s Rotation

In this matchup, expect an exciting clash between two in-form teams. Richter will probably field what he thinks is his strongest lineup. But, the question is which players does that include? While the Union have rolled out laregly identical starters in their last 3 games, 2 players are pushing to break into the eleven. 

Ezekiel Alladoh could find his name on the teamsheet. The Union’s record signing has struggled for minutes in his debut season, but took a big step forward last Saturday, after coming off the bench to score a dramatic winner against Atlanta. With Bruno Damiani’s continued struggles in front of net, it may be time to give the Ghanian striker a real chance up top. 

The other is Quinn Sullivan. A familiar name to Union and MLS fans alike, the elder Sullivan had begun to earn a reputation as one of the league’s brightest young stars before suffering an ACL injury at the end of last season. Since returning from rehab, he has quickly been re-integrated into the team’s rotation, but only as a substitute. However, his minutes share has steadily increased over the last 3 games. Could this indicate a full return to the lineup? Though he has yet to get on the scoresheet, his prowess in attack would be a massive boost to a team that is perhaps too reliant on Milan Iloski.

Whoever the Union go with, La Máquina will be a stiff test, but one that will provide a good measuring stick of where exactly the team’s level is at right now.

• Injury report: OUT: N/a
• Suspended: N/a

Key matchup

Union Midfield vs. Cruz Azul Midfield

With both teams employing high-intensity systems, the Union’s being more direct and La Máquina’s being more defensive, the midfield battle will decide this game. The Union will need to remain vigilant, as Cruz Azul has a penchant for second half come-backs, and one mistake in the press can have dire outcomes.

Player to Watch: Jeremy Márquez

Despite playing defense, he leads Cruz Azul in scoring through their first 3 league games, with 2 goals and an assist. Márquez is a versatile player who will demand attention from the Union.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2 – 1 Cruz Azul

Los Cementeros have unfortunately invoked the Rocky Curse, so they’re cooked no matter what.