Toluca vs Columbus Crew – Leagues Cup Opening Match Preview
The 2025 Leagues Cup kicks off with an intriguing showdown as Mexican champions Toluca travel to Lower.com Field to face Columbus Crew, the defending title holders, on July 29, 2025 at 7 PM ET.(turn0search3) This opening match serves as the curtain-raiser for a revamped tournament with 36 teams, 18 each from MLS and Liga MX.(turn0search34) Toluca arrives fresh off their Clausura victory under coach Antonio Mohamed, while Columbus looks to defend their trophy on home soil.
Team News & Lineups
Toluca enter the match with a full-strength squad, no injuries reported. They are unbeaten in their last eight games and bring strong momentum as Tier 1 contenders. Key attacking threats include Paulinho and Alexis Vega.
Columbus Crew will be missing a few players, including Malte Amundsen and Mohamed Farsi. However, Diego Rossi is available to lead an attack bolstered by creativity from Darlington Nagbe and new signing Wessam Abou Ali.
A projected Columbus lineup features Patrick Schulte in goal, a back four including Max Arfsten, and a midfield led by Nagbe and Gazdag, with Rossi up front.
Match Forecasts & Predictions
The odds are tight, Columbus holds a slight edge, but Toluca’s form makes them very competitive. One set of bookmaker odds puts Columbus at a 40% chance to win, Toluca at ~37%, and a draw at ~28%.
Betting previews emphasize Columbus Crew to win or draw (double chance). Many expect a high-scoring game, with both teams to score (BTTS) and over 2.5 total goals as popular tips.
Key Match Themes & Stats
Topic Insights
Recent Form Toluca unbeaten in their last eight; Crew strong at home but inconsistent away.
Head-to-Head Two previous meetings: one Toluca win, one draw—Crew has never beaten them.
Playing Style Toluca mix strong pressing and pace up front; Columbus rely on patient build-up and creativity.
Scoring Trends Both teams have found the net frequently; scorchers expected.
The clash is likely to reflect contrasting styles, Toluca’s aggressive, dynamic attack versus Columbus’s tactical, flow-driven play. With defensive frailties on both sides, goals appear almost guaranteed.
Broadcast & Stakes
The match will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV+, with select coverage on FOX Sports. The Leagues Cup runs through August 31, 2025, offering slots in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup for top finishers.
Final Thought
All signs suggest a tight, thrilling opener. Expect Columbus to leverage home advantage and discipline, while Toluca will hunt for early chances through their offensive firepower. Goals should come from both sides, but whether Columbus can hold strong or Toluca’s momentum carries the day remains the central question.