The final four for Leagues Cup 2025 is set, with both all-MLS semifinal matchups slated for Wednesday evening. With the Seattle Sounders still in it after their penalty-kick nailbiter against Club Puebla, here’s how I’m sizing up the last round of the tournament before two of these clubs play in the grand finale on Sunday.
Seattle Sounders at LA Galaxy
If they’re going to make their second-ever trip to the Leagues Cup final, Seattle will need to get through the same Galaxy side that they waxed 4-0 down in Carson just two weeks ago. While that result might leave the Sounders considered favorites even as the road team, I’m not really expecting it to be as one-sided this time around. The 2025 Galaxy aren’t good, but they’re quite literally playing for their season in this match. If they win Leagues Cup, it doesn’t erase their nightmare of a league campaign, but I think it would salvage at least one big positive they can hang their hat on. They’ll be motivated and hell-bent on not allowing a repeat of that 4-0 demolition to take place.
It’s still a matchup that Seattle should win if they play anywhere close to the level we’ve seen since the Club World Cup. If there’s a big concern, it’s the striker depth, with Danny Musovski now suspended for the rest of the tournament after his unfortunate red card in the Puebla match. Is Osaze De Rosario up to the task? There will be at least a few chances for the Tacoma Defiance product against a porous Galaxy defense.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City SC
Like Seattle, Orlando City are taking on a conference rival that they just beat handily within the last couple of weeks in Inter Miami. The question for the rematch, though, will be the health and availability of Lionel Messi. The GOAT has been nursing a hamstring injury, which it seems like they’ve been managing with the intent of having him ready for this game. If he plays and is anywhere near his usual form, it’s hard for me to pick against the Herons.
The rivalry component presents an interesting variable, though. Orlando really seems to elevate their level when it comes to these derbies with Inter Miami, as evidenced by that 4-1 rout two weeks ago. I'm going to assume Messi plays, and in that event, I'm picking Inter Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised to see that pick backfire.
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Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Here's what you missed on the site this week.
Sounders
Next match: Wednesday, Aug. 27 vs. LA Galaxy | 7:45 pm PT | MLS Season Pass | Leagues Cup 2025 Semifinals
- Rotated and rolling again: Sounders slam Sporting KC
- Postgame Pontifications: Not a trap, an opportunity
- Danny Musovski named MLS Player of the Week
- Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff: How should Sounders line up in Leagues Cup semis?
- Sounders vs. Sporting KC: Highlights, stats, quotes
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Reign
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. San Diego Wave | 7:30 pm PT | Paramount+
Defiance
Next match: Sunday, Aug. 31 at Real Monarchs | 6:30 pm PT| MLS Season Pass
Looking back at the news
Everything else you need to know
NWSL Power Rankings: Orlando Pride are officially in a slump (ESPN)
Bay FC sets NWSL attendance record at Oracle Park vs. Washington Spirit (USA Today)
Why Morgan Gautrat has moved to Newcastle: ‘I’ve loved joining places I could help make better’ (The Athletic)
First Girma, then Smith, now Ovalle: The women’s transfer record and a game-changing 2025 (The Athletic)
San Jose Earthquakes respond, New York City FC's new threat & more from Matchday 30 (MLSsoccer)
St. Louis fires GM Pfannenstiel amid woeful MLS campaign (ESPN)
MLS Power Rankings: Charlotte charges up with seven-game win streak (ESPN)
Son Heung-Min scores stunning first LAFC goal: "Hang it in the Louvre" (MLSsoccer)
NWSL Team of the Week: USWNT's Alyssa Thompson delivers; Ludmila grabs 10-minute hat trick (CBS Sports)
What We Learned: Charlotte FC mean business, Philadelphia Union regain Shield lead (MLSsoccer)
Young Players: Who stepped up in Matchday 30? (MLSsoccer)
NWSL giants Portland Thorns make shocking move for Arsenal youngster Laila Harbert (GOAL)
NWSL PA Exec. believes league chose TV over safety at KC Current match (FOX4 KC)
Chicago Stars FC’s Ludmila scores fastest hat trick in NWSL history (All for XI)
