América vs Columbus Crew

Club América and Columbus Crew meet in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, with a semifinal spot on the line ahead of the September 1-2 semifinals. The Crew are reigning 2024 Leagues Cup champions, while América topped the Liga MX standings in the group phase with seven points. Columbus sit sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference after 26 games, still chasing a playoff spot. Both sides arrive in good form. América went unbeaten through the group, beating San Diego FC and Portland Timbers before drawing Austin FC, all without talisman Alejandro Zendejas. Columbus were sharp at home too, beating Atlas FC and Pachuca and drawing Pumas, powered by Spanish signing Brais Méndez, who scored in back-to-back games, and midfielder Taha Habroune, who set up two goals against Atlas. History is split: Columbus won 4-1 on their first meeting in the 2023 Leagues Cup, before América won on penalties in the 2024 Campeones Cup final. Our prediction: 2-1