Cruz Azul secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Philadelphia Union in a Leagues Cup Group Stage encounter on 7 August, capitalising on clinical finishing despite ceding territorial advantage. The hosts dominated possession at 52 per cent and registered an expected goals figure of 0.56 from 10 shots, converting one into the decisive goal. Philadelphia pressed aggressively with 14 attempts and 1.07 xG, but their finishing proved wasteful; both sides registered three shots on target, yet Cruz Azul's goalkeeper made a perfect 100 per cent save rate while the Union's custodian stopped only two of three efforts faced, conceding 1.0 post-shot expected goals. Referee Juan Calderon oversaw a tightly contested affair in which both teams employed identical 4–4–2 formations. The result marks a crucial opening victory for Cruz Azul in the group phase, while Philadelphia's inability to convert superior chances leaves them facing early pressure.