By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

HARRISON, NJ – New York City FC took down Santos Laguna 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 Leagues Cup but fell 2-1 to reigning Mexican champions Cruz Azul on Sunday night. With the cup’s format requiring near-perfection to advance to the knockout stage, it effectively ended NYC’s contention.

Thursday night’s match was sparsely attended as NYC fended off a relatively weak Santos side. A brilliant strike by Tayvon Gray and Nico Cavallo’s 66th minute goal gave the hosts a 2-0 win.

Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey was far more rowdy on Sunday as fans of “La Máquina” filled the stands. Cruz Azul, one of Mexico’s biggest clubs, brought plenty of eyes to the Leagues Cup clash, with the club looking to add to their trophy cabinet after recently ending a long-lasting title drought in Liga MX.

New York City fans were raucous as well, cheering the Boys in Blue on for the full 90 minutes in what turned out to be a heated match. It was a physical battle from the start, with 20 total fouls called before the final whistle.

NYC were able to answer Cruz Azul’s 1st half goal as Max Murray headed home his first ever goal for the club. Unfortunately, a deflected shot reestablished the lead for the Mexican side, who went on to win 2-1.

The final Leagues Cup match scheduled for New York is Thursday night against Necaxa, who were eliminated after losing both of their matches so far. It would take a huge margin of victory and losses for most contending MLS teams in order for the Boys in Blue to sneak into the knockout round.

This weekend, New York City returns to MLS play as they look for a fourth consecutive league match without defeat. They take on Philadelphia at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, August 16 at 6:00pm. After a 3-game road trip, NYC comes back home to take on Nashville SC in the Bronx on September 4 before a midweek clash against the New England Revolution at Citi Field on the 9th.