Leagues Cup Quarterfinal: Toluca FC vs. Orlando City SC – Matchday Report (August 21, 2025)

Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, Calif. – Tonight, the Leagues Cup quarterfinal had fans buzzing. Defending Liga MX champions Toluca FC went head-to-head with Eastern Conference giant Orlando City SC. The game unfolded under the bright lights at Dignity Health Sports Park.

**Kickoff & Venue** The match started at 8:50 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 21, 2025. It took place at a neutral stadium in Carson, California. The venue was packed with fans. Supporters from both clubs filled the stands. They came to see the first-ever official match between these teams.

Toluca came to Southern California on a five-match unbeaten streak. They recently won the 2025 Clausura title and the Campeón de Campeones trophy. Mexican star Alexis Vega and top scorer Paulinho, with 4 goals, led Los Diablos Rojos in their quest for continental glory.

Orlando City SC made it to the quarterfinals by winning four games in a row in both MLS and the Leagues Cup. Argentine playmaker Martín Ojeda was key for Orlando, delivering three assists in Phase One. At the same time, Luis Muriel scored three goals in the group stage. Under coach Oscar Pareja, Orlando has outscored its opponents 15 to 6 in the last four games.

Team News & Lineups Toluca set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Manager Antonio Mohamed placed Paulinho just behind the lone striker, Alexis Vega. Key midfielders were Jesús Angulo and Marcel Ruiz. Hugo González started in goal.

Orlando City set up in a 4-4-2 formation. Up front, Luis Muriel teamed up with Ramiro Enrique. In midfield, Martín Ojeda served as the main playmaker. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallardo marshaled the backline for the visitors.

Key Storylines

  • First-ever meeting: These clubs have never played each other before. This adds excitement to tonight’s match.
  • Offensive firepower: Both teams score highly in their leagues this season. This hints at a thrilling, fast-paced game.
  • Championship pedigree: Toluca’s recent Liga MX titles contrast with Orlando’s aim for their first Leagues Cup semifinal. This creates a clash between seasoned and rising teams.

Broadcast Information The match was televised live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV+, with comprehensive coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.

**Looking Ahead** The winner of this quarterfinal will reach the Leagues Cup semifinals. They’ll be one step closer to securing a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Tonight’s match, win or lose, showed how the rivalry between Liga MX and MLS is growing on neutral turf.