Fifteen teams down, 32 teams remaining in the Leagues Cup 2023! The next big matchup in the Round of 32 is LAFC vs. FC Juárez. With three Concacaf Champions Cup spots on the line, plus ample amounts of prize money, the matches should only get more intense from here. The single-elimination format in the Round of 32 means it’s all on the line, with winners moving on and losers going home.
The 2022 MLS Cup Champions LAFC have earned a bye to the opening round and have had a few weeks off. Their first test won’t be easy, though, as they face an FC Juárez side who are much improved in both the young 2023 Apertura (2W-0L-1D) and in Leagues Cup, where they recently eliminated Austin FC 3-1 at Q2 Stadium.
LAFC has been busy in MLS’ summer transfer window, parting ways with productive forward Kwadwo Opoku and welcoming in Mario Gonzálaz from the Portuguese top flight as well as Bulgarian international midfielder Filip Krastev (on loan), among others. More moves are expected.
Beyond just an opportunity to integrate new pieces, the Leagues Cup presents LAFC with a chance at continental silverware and redemption after they narrowly missed out on the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, falling 3-1 on aggregate to Club León.
LAFC vs. Juárez Betting
Leagues Cup Odds Winner
- LAFC (+)
- FC Juárez (+)
Match Winner
- LAFC (-205)
- FC Juárez (+475)
- Draw (+355)
Over/Under Goals
- LAFC score over 2.5 goals (+100)
- LAFC score under 2.5 goals (+800)
- FC Juárez score over 2.5 goals (+1700)
- FC Juárez score under 2.5 goals (+200)
LAFC: One of the best in CONCACAF
LAFC has been one of the best-run clubs in MLS and CONCACAF. The level of players they can recruit compared to the rest of the league is absurd. During the regular season, they continue to climb the MLS standings, and fans can expect them to top the West and challenge for MLS Cup.
The only concern going into the LAFC vs. FC Juárez match for LAFC is the extended time off. They have not played a competitive match in about three weeks. On top of that, their league form has been questionable. If they can get Vela, Bouanga, and their new Spanish striker firing right away, there is no reason why they can’t lay a beatdown on FC Juárez.
FC Juárez could surprise everyone
Despite lacking in the fame and glamour of their opponents, Juarez is enjoying a positive start to their 2023/24 campaign. Coach Diego Mejia transformed the team into a game-winning machine overnight. Los Bravos is currently ranking 3rd with no losses throughout the first three fixtures.
Unlike LAFC or their Liga MX counterparts, FC Juárez doesn’t have big-name, well-known players. They are considered silent killers and focus more on good play than big names. If Mejia can get FC Juárez to keep their momentum from their 3-1 win over Austin, they could cause problems for LAFC.
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