Another Cup to compete for, MNUFC begins Leagues Cup run

Heading into tonight’s match, Minnesota United looks to make an impact in their second cup competition of 2025. This time the cup tournament comes with some International flavour as clubs MLS and all Liga MX clubs participate in the newest edition of Leagues Cup. At 3-1-1 in their last five, having advanced to the US Open Cup semi-finals, and sitting top 3 in the Western Conference, MNUFC is well on their way to one of the best seasons in club history.

“It’s an interesting format this year and obviously far more difficult to progress than it has been in previous years as far as I understand. I think that next Saturday in Houston, in an atmosphere that I’m sure will feel like a home game for Club America against a top side, will be really difficult, but we will for sure approach every game with a real seriousness,” said manager Eric Ramsay about Leagues Cup.

Previous Matches

MNUFC had ups and downs in their quick two match road swing before Leagues Cup. 11 days ago in Portland, OR the Loons seemed to have the match wrapped up after a 78th minute goal from Anthony Markanich. But sadly for the Minnesota fans who made the trek it did not stay that way. Omir Fernandez scored in stoppage time to draw the match level 1-1, sending Minnesota United home disappointed, narrowly missing three points.

Last weekend in St. Louis was a bit of a different story with all goals scored on the night were from the spot. Edward Löwen was first for STL after Tomás Ostrák drew a foul on a Michael Boxall tackle inside the box. Kelvin Yeboah snagged both goals in the second half for Minnesota. The first one coming after Chris Durkin was issued a straight red for an egregious foul. The second spot kick and goal came in the 90th minute after a hand ball by Jaziel Orozco.

Leagues Cup

Starting this year for the fifth edition of Leagues Cup the format has been drastically altered. While all 18 Liga MX sides continue to participate, only the top 18 MLS clubs will join in for the tournament. The competition starts with a 3 match “league phase” with all matches being inter-league. Just like in previous years, if a match is drawn after 90 minutes, the match goes straight to penalties. Following the league phase (or officially phase one) the top four teams from each league will head into the eight team knockout stage.

Top 3 finishers from the knockout stage earn berths in 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the winner obtaining bye into Round of 16. Along with the CCC spot, there is also prize money on the line, which was reported back in 2023 to be a $40 million prize money pool.

Querétaro FC travels to Minnesota from their home in Santiago de Querétaro in the state of Querétaro in central Mexico. Gallos Blancos (White Roosters) have struggled the past few seasons, making the Liguilla only once in the last 9 Liguilla’s and four and a half seasons. Last season Los Albiazules (The White and Blues) finished 16th (of 18) in the aggregate table of Liga MX. This season has not started out much better as they sit at 0-0-3 (0 points) ahead of Leagues Cup.

News & Notes

Wessel Speel was loaned to League of Ireland side Shelbourne FC for the remainder of the 2025 season

Sang-Bin Jeong was sold to St. Louis City on 21-July, in a “cash for player trade” for $1.6 million guaranteed and potentially up to $2 million

Devin Padelford was loaned to St. Louis City the next day, for remainder of 2025 season

Kelvin Yeboah made the MLS Team of the Matchday after his brace last weekend against St. Louis City

Availability

MIN | Out:  Hassani Dotson (SEI), Hoyeon Jung (SEI) ; Questionable: None

QUE | Out: Federico Lértora (calf) ; Questionable: None

Staff Predictions

Tim McLaughlin: 2–0 MN

Bridget McDowell: 1–0 Loons

Ashle Paige: Disappointment for all, Nil–Nil followed by 9 rounds of PK’s and 2 points for MNUFC

Seth Steffenhagen: 3–1 Loons

MJ: 2–0 Loons

Michael Lake: Loading…