Last Updated on July 30, 2025 11:13 am by Erwin Noguera
Day 2 of the 2025 Leagues Cup follows an electrifying start that has exceeded expectations. From last-minute goals to unexpected comebacks, the first Matchday made it clear that this tournament knows no favoritism.
In this start, Liga MX has taken the lead, winning over several MLS teams. Clubs such as Toluca, Tigres, and Pachuca have demonstrated their hierarchy and experience in international tournaments, while several MLS representatives have left doubts about their competitive level. However, this is far from definite. With two rounds to go, anything can happen, and it wouldn’t be the first time a team has bounced back from an early defeat to become a contender.
The main objective remains to advance to the next phase, and to do so, every point counts. That is why in these matchdays 2 and 3, we will see the teams leave everything on the field. There is no margin for error: a bad result can mean elimination, while a win can completely change the course of a group. The best of the tournament is coming, and the matches of this second day promise more drama, more goals, and more passion.
Below, we bring you a preview of the best matches we can enjoy on Matchday 2 of the Leagues Cup 2025, with their respective betting odds and our free predictions.
At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the MLS, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.
Leagues Cup Matchday 2: Columbus Crew vs. Puebla
Columbus Crew TBD | Puebla TBD | Draw Offs: TBD |
When? | Friday, August 1 at 7:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM CST, 5:00 PM MT, and 4:00 PM PT |
Where? | Lower.com Field |
Where Can I Watch It? | Apple TV, TUDN |
The Columbus Crew looks to be the heavy favorites for their Matchday 2 clash against Puebla. The team coached by Wilfried Nancy has proven to be one of the most consistent sides in U.S. Soccer, with a well-defined style of play based on possession and attacking dynamism.
With the likes of Diego Rossi and Wessan Abou Ali leading the team, the Ohioans will be looking to impose conditions from the first minute at Lower.com Field. Columbus Crew is coming off a penalty shootout loss to Toluca, after a 2-2 draw in regulation time on Matchday 1.
Puebla, on the other hand, arrives as the clear underdog for this match, but with little to lose and much to gain. La Franja has had a difficult start to the Liga MX season and hopes to use this competition to regain confidence.
Although the Puebla squad lacks star power, they have shown on previous occasions that they can surprise when underestimated, especially if they manage to stay organized and counter-attack.
Puebla managed a 3-0 over NYC FC in their first match of the tournament.
The difference in level between the two teams is clear, and the local factor also favors Columbus. Despite the surprises that the Leagues Cup usually offers, everything indicates that the Crew should take the three points without too many complications.
Columbus Crew vs. Puebla Betting Pick: Columbus Crew
Leagues Cup Matchday 2: Toluca vs. Montreal
Toluca TBD | Montreal TBD | Draw Offs:TBD |
When? | Friday, August 1, at 9:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM CST, 7:00 PM MT, and 6:00 PM PT |
Where? | Red Bull Arena. |
Where Can I Watch It? | Apple TV, TUDN |
Toluca enters Matchday 2 with the responsibility of maintaining its Liga MX dominance over MLS. The Scarlets have had a good start to the domestic tournament and have players with international experience. In addition, although they will be playing on neutral ground (Red Bull Arena), the Mexican fans are expected to be present and support the Red Devils, who start as favorites.
As mentioned, Toluca, reigning Liga MX champions, are coming off a 2-2 draw in regulation time after defeating Columbus Crew on penalties.
Montreal, meanwhile, is a team in the middle of a rebuilding process. Although they have shown recent improvements in their performance, they continue to have defensive difficulties that can be exploited by a team as vertical as Toluca. Despite having promising young players, the Canadian team has struggled to win against teams with more hierarchy, and this match will be no exception.
Their MLS season has been terrible, but they have just beaten Leon on penalties on Matchday 1 of the Leagues Cup, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Toluca has everything it needs to control the pace of the match and capitalize on Montreal’s mistakes. If they can keep their concentration and avoid distractions in defense, they should come away with the win.
Toluca vs. Montreal Betting Pick: Toluca
Leagues Cup Matchday 2: Inter Miami vs. Necaxa
Inter Miami TBD | Necaxa TBD | Draw Offs:+285 |
When? | Saturday, August 2 at 7:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM CST, 5:00 PM MT, and 4:00 PM PT |
Where? | Chase Stadium. |
Where Can I Watch It? | Apple TV, TUDN |
Inter Miami is back on the scene on this second day of the Leagues Cup with the clear objective of getting three points against Necaxa. Although the spotlight is always on Lionel Messi, the team led by Javier Mascherano has learned to function as a solid unit, with the likes of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba providing key experience. Now, with the arrival of Rodrigo de Paul, the team’s midfield looks solid.
Necaxa, on the other hand, has been struggling to find consistency in Liga MX and faces a challenge against one of the continent’s strongest and most media-friendly teams. While Los Rayos have shown signs of improvement with a more dynamic brand of soccer, the difference in squad and international experience could weigh too heavily against such a complete opponent.
They will need a near-perfect performance to get a good result in Miami. The team had a somewhat promising start to the Liga MX Apertura 2025. However, they have not been able to keep up the pace of play and are already in the mid-table zone.
Although we could expect an even match, Inter Miami’s hierarchy and momentum tip the scales in their favor. If Messi and company are in rhythm, it will be difficult for Necaxa to hold them off.
Inter Miami vs. Necaxa Betting Pick: Inter Miami
Leagues Cup Matchday 2: Monterrey vs. New York RB
Monterrey TBD | New York RB TBD | Draw Offs: TBD |
When? | Sunday, August 2 at 8:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM CST, 6:30 PM MT, and 5:30 PM PT |
Where? | TQL Stadium. |
Where Can I Watch It? | Apple TV, TUDN |
Monterrey comes into this match as one of the heavyweights of the tournament. With a deep roster full of talent, including Sergio Ramos, German Berterame, Sergio Canales, and Oliver Torres, Los Rayados have plenty of arguments to be considered favorites against the New York Red Bulls.
Monterrey had a good performance at the Club World Cup 2025, and at the start of the Liga MX, they have accumulated two victories in three matches played.
The New York Red Bulls, on the other hand, have been a difficult team to decipher this season. With a physical approach and a lot of intensity, they can make any opponent uncomfortable. However, often lack precision in the final third of the field. The Big Apple side is in the middle of the MLS Eastern Conference standings, so this tournament could give them the boost they need to get into playoff spots.
Although they have the advantage of playing at home, their lack of international experience could work against them against a Monterrey team that knows how to handle pressure.
This matchup promises to be one of the most evenly matched games of the day, at least in terms of intensity. However, Rayados’ individual and collective hierarchy could make the difference when it is most needed.
Monterrey vs. New York RB Betting Pick: Monterrey