The League Cup has been a successful competition since 2023, when the semi-finals had three MLS clubs, with the winner being Inter Miami.
Last season, it was more of the same with four MLS squads filling all semi-final spots. This year, we have had a surprising repeat thanks to two upsets and a nail-biter from Seattle in a game that was supposed to be a blowout.
Both of these games bring something different as well as familiar feelings from what we have seen in the MLS this year. One game is a classic MLS rivalry that has taken over Florida with the per hate for both squads.
The other matchup is between two clubs that have helped build the MLS into what it has become today.
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Inter Miami vs Orlando City
For the third time this year, we head down to the Sunshine State for the Florida Derby. A matchup between two young clubs that are looking to add to their growing legacy.
Inter Miami may have the bigger names and the recent success, but they lack competitive longevity due to the lack of success before Messi arrived. Orlando City, on the other hand, has been a strong team that is an MLS Cup contender almost every year, as they have had success building strong rosters.
Inter Miami is a ticking clock when it comes to how long their championship window as Messi has still not decided if he will be returning to Miami after this season.
Orlando, on the other hand, has young, talented stars that aren’t in their prime yet despite the team having success and being a contender for multiple trophies this season.
This game will be tight, physical, and competitive for 90 minutes plus to determine who will have a chance at hardware this season.
Seattle Sounds VS LA Galaxy
Seattle and LA combined are the most successful clubs that the MLS has ever seen and quite possibly will ever see.
LA won the MLS Cup last year, but they are out of the running for the playoffs this season. This makes the Leagues Cup the only chance the LA Galaxy will have for hardware this season as they watch the playoffs at home.
Seattle, on the other hand, has bigger plans as they want to double up on trophies this year to prove they are the league’s premier squad.
Both sides have a tremendous record compared to the rest of the field in competitions similar to the League Cup. Both the Galaxy and the Sounders have won a CONCACAF Champions Cup in their club’s history.
The rest of the MLS has struggled to even make it to a major semi-final like the Leagues Cup. This matchup may not appear to be as exciting due to the Galaxy’s poor form, but in League Cup play, the MLS records are thrown out the window.
In theory, Seattle should beat LA If the quarterfinal taught us anything, it’s that they can not sit back and relax as they hope their opponent won’t put up a fight.
No matter who wins either game to move on to the League Cup playoffs, the MLS is the true winner as its clubs prove that they own the League Cup once again.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date 19.08.2025