The Leagues Cup, first introduced in 2019, pits the best clubs from Major League Soccer against those from Mexico’s top professional league, Liga MX. It has led to some exciting action, as it gives each league the chance to earn bragging rights, along with the opportunity for clubs to take home a trophy.

The Rapids were unable to match Thursday’s comeback effort against Santos Laguna, dropping their second Leagues Cup phase one match to Club Tijuana, 2-1. With a match left and only four MLS spots to fight for to get to the knockout stage, a loss is likely detrimental.

Santos Laguna's efforts to send a message turned into an early deficit and the Sounders earned a scrappy Leagues Cup win Sunday night at Lumen Field.