Leagues Cup action continues on Thursday night as the Philadelphia Union hosts Cruz Azul in the tournament opener for both clubs. Kickoff from Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on Apple TV and FS1.
Philadelphia stumbled through the opening months of the 2026 MLS season and currently sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-4-10 record and 16 points. The Union have found their form recently, though, bringing a three-match winning streak into Thursday night’s Leagues Cup test.
The Union’s post-World Cup surge began with a 3-1 home victory over the New York Red Bulls. Philadelphia followed that performance by shutting out the defending Leagues Cup champion Seattle Sounders, earning a 1-0 win behind a goal from Milan Iloski.
Philadelphia’s wildest victory of the streak came last Saturday. Trailing Atlanta United 2-1 beyond the 90th minute, the Union scored on an equalizer from highly regarded young defender Neil Pierre in sixth minute of stoppage time. Just one minute later, Ezekiel Alladoh scored the game-winner to complete a stunning 3-2 comeback.
Thursday’s match gives a national audience an opportunity to watch Pierre and fellow USMNT prospect Cavan Sullivan compete against a Cruz Azul side that has opened its Liga MX campaign with a 2-0-1 record. They began the new season with a 3-2 victory over Atlético de San Luis before defeating Puebla 2-1. La Máquina suffered its first loss in its most recent outing, falling 3-2 against Atlante.
Cruz Azul will now face Philadelphia before continuing its Leagues Cup schedule against New York City FC on August 9 and the Chicago Fire on August 13.
Cruz Azul vs. Philadelphia Union Odds
Cruz Azul gets the advantage on the 3-way moneyline for tonight’s tournament opener:
- Cruz Azul (+135)
- Draw (+260)
- Philadelphia Union (+175)
Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet
Early betting action at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is leaning toward Cruz Azul:
- Cruz Azul has drawn 80% of all moneyline bets and 87% of the total handle.
- Philadelphia is accounting for 17% of the tickets and 11% of the money wagered.
- The draw has received the remaining 3% of bets and 2% of the handle.
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props
- Gabriel Matías Fernández – Over 0.5 Shots on Target
- Milan Iloski – Anytime Goalscorer
- Gabriel Matías Fernández – First Goalscorer
- Bruno Damiani – To Score or Assist
- José Paradela – To Score or Assist
Cruz Azul vs. Philadelphia Union Match Info
- 📍 Location: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
- 📅 Date: Thursday, August 6
- ⏰ Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: Apple TV and FS1
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