The Rapids' unbelievable run continues as they've beaten three Liga MX teams to reach semifinals vs. LAFC
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Rapids edge America in penalties thrillerGiroud came off bench in LAFC rout over SeattleNo Liga MX teams remain in Leagues CupWHAT HAPPENED?
Once underdogs in the Leagues Cup, the Colorado Rapids are now just two wins away from lifting the trophy after securing a dramatic 9-8 penalties win over Club America.
U.S. international Zack Steffen, who has been a catalyst for the club throughout the tournament, kept a clean sheet with four saves. In the penalty shootout, he proved heroic, making a crucial save on Igor Lichnovsky's attempt and then converting the game-winning penalty moments later.
Steffen recorded his first clean sheet of the Leagues Cup, but he's been impressive throughout the tournament. He was monumental for the Rapids in their penalties win against Leon and was also strong against Toluca. His torrid stretch is coming at an opportune moment, not just for Colorado, but potentially for the U.S. men's national team as well.
Steffen lost the U.S. No. 1 job to Matt Turner, who is now Nottingham Forest's third-choice keeper, while recent No. 2 Ethan Horvath had a rough start to the season, as Cardiff City conceded five goals in their defeat to Burnley Saturday. The position is wide open for the national team and with a reported new hire in Mauricio Pochettino, Steffen could be making his case.
AdvertisementUSA TodayTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Colorado's stunning win also means there are no Liga MX teams remaining in the Leagues Cup.
Similar to the Rapids, the Philadelphia Union knocked out Mazatlán in penalties, continuing their own surprising run. It's another disappointing year in the Leagues Cup for the Mexican top flight.
Although Liga MX won't be represented in the semifinals, two of MLS's top teams, LAFC and the Columbus Crew, remain in contention.
Olivier Giroud made another bench appearance, playing 26 minutes in LAFC's 3-0 rout of the Seattle Sounders. Lastly, the Crew stunned NYCFC in penalties, despite conceding the earliest goal in Leagues Cup history just 13 seconds into the match.
DID YOU KNOW?
While Liga MX has traditionally performed well against MLS teams in the CONCACAF Champions League, they haven't replicated that success in the Leagues Cup.
This marks the second year in a row that two MLS teams will face off in the tournament final. Last year, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami edged Nashville SC in a penalty thriller.
WHAT NEXT FOR LEAGUES CUP?
The semifinals will kick off on Aug. 21 as Columbus will host Philadelphia and Colorado visits LAFC.
