MIAMI, Florida – The first round of the group stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup wrapped up on Sunday, beginning with a 1-0 win for Liga MX side Atlas over New York City FC at Citi Field in Queens, New York in East Group 3. Aldo Rocha scored for Atlas.
In another Liga MX vs. MLS duel, Minnesota United came away with a commanding 4-0 win over Puebla in Central Group 2. Despite playing a man down from the 30th minute on, Minnesota United controlled things thanks to two-goal performances from Emanuel Reynoso and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
FC Cincinnati came away with two points after defeating Sporting Kansas City 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a wild 3-3 draw in regular time at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio as part of Central Group 3. Luciano Acosta converted a second half stoppage time penalty to send the game to spot kicks.
The Columbus Crew spoiled Saint Louis City SC’s first ever international match in a 2-1 final in Central Group 1 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Cucho Hernandez’s first half penalty conversion served as the winning score.
The final all-MLS contest of the night saw Nashville SC top Colorado Rapids 2-1 atGEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, in Central Group 4. Jacon Shaffelburg, who scored for Canada in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, tallied the game-winning goal for Nashville.
