América Triumphs Over Minnesota in Thrilling Leagues Cup Penalty Shootout

On August 2, 2025, the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, played host to an electrifying Leagues Cup match between Club América, the storied Mexican giants, and Minnesota United FC, a formidable MLS side. The second matchday of the 2025 Leagues Cup group stage saw both teams deliver a high-octane performance, culminating in a 3-3 draw after regular time and a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout victory for América, with goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón emerging as the hero. This article recaps the match’s key moments, standout performances, and its significance for both teams in the tournament.

Match Summary

The game began with Minnesota United asserting early dominance. In the 15th minute, Tani Oluwaseyi capitalized on a one-on-one with América’s defender Igor Lichnovsky, firing a stunning shot past Malagón to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead. América responded resiliently, equalizing in the 26th minute through an own goal by Minnesota’s Michael Boxall, who inadvertently turned an Álvaro Fidalgo cross into his own net. The first half ended with the score level at 1-1, setting the stage for a frenetic second half.

The second half saw both teams trade blows. América took the lead in the 53rd minute when Raúl “Pantera” Zúñiga rose highest to head in a precise cross from Alejandro Zendejas, making it 2-1. However, Minnesota regained the advantage with two quick goals. Carlos Harvey scored a rocket in the 65th minute, exploiting a defensive error by América, and shortly after, Bongokuhle Hlongwane added a third, putting Minnesota ahead 3-2. The match took a turn when América’s Lichnovsky was sent off in the 61st minute for a late challenge, leaving the Mexican side with ten players.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, América fought back. In the 90+3rd minute, Sebastián Cáceres headed in a Brian Rodríguez cross to level the score at 3-3, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The shootout was a nail-biter, with both teams converting their first seven penalties. In the eighth round, Malagón made a crucial save on Nicolás Romero’s attempt, and Isaías Violante sealed the victory for América with a powerful strike, securing an 8-7 win and a vital extra point in the Leagues Cup standings.

Key Performances América – Minnesota

Luis Ángel Malagón (América): The goalkeeper was instrumental, making several critical saves, including a spectacular stop in the 85th minute and the decisive block in the penalty shootout. His composure under pressure kept América in the game.
Alejandro Zendejas (América): Stepping up as captain after Lichnovsky’s red card, Zendejas provided the assist for Zúñiga’s goal and converted his penalty in the shootout, showcasing leadership and skill.
Sebastián Cáceres (América): The defender’s late equalizer was a game-changer, and his successful penalty kick added to his impact.
Tani Oluwaseyi and Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United): Both players scored crucial goals for Minnesota, with Harvey’s strike and Hlongwane’s finish highlighting their attacking prowess.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United): His goal and relentless pressure on América’s defense were notable, though his team fell short in the shootout.

Match Statistics

Possession: América 72.2%, Minnesota United 27.8%
Shots on Goal: América 4, Minnesota United 4
Total Shots: América 12, Minnesota United 9
Corners: América 6, Minnesota United 6
Saves: América 1, Minnesota United 3
Yellow Cards: None for either team
Red Cards: Igor Lichnovsky (América, 61st minute)

Tactical Analysis

América, under coach André Jardine, started with an aggressive approach, pressing high to disrupt Minnesota’s rhythm. However, defensive lapses, particularly in the second half, allowed Minnesota to exploit counterattacks. Lichnovsky’s expulsion forced América to adopt a more defensive posture, relying on Malagón’s heroics and opportunistic set-piece play to stay in the game. Minnesota, buoyed by their 4-1 rout of Querétaro in the previous match, played with confidence, utilizing quick transitions and direct attacking play. Their inability to capitalize on América’s reduced numbers in the final half-hour, however, proved costly.

The penalty shootout showcased América’s resilience, with players like Brian Rodríguez, Alejandro Zendejas, Sebastián Cáceres, Israel Reyes, Rodrigo Aguirre, Cristian Borja, Erick Sánchez, and Isaías Violante all converting their attempts. Minnesota’s shooters, including Joaquín Pereyra, Kelvin Yeboah, Carlos Harvey, Julian Gressel, Joseph Rosales, and Michael Boxall, were equally clinical until Romero’s miss.

Fan and Environmental Factors

The match was played in a charged atmosphere, with América’s massive fanbase turning the Shell Energy Stadium into a sea of yellow and blue. However, an unsavory incident occurred when Minnesota’s Carlos Harvey was struck by a plastic cup thrown from the stands during his goal celebration, highlighting the passionate but occasionally volatile nature of the América fanbase. Despite this, the fans’ relentless support spurred América’s comeback, as noted by Cáceres post-match: “The fans never stopped chanting; they pushed us to keep fighting.”

Implications for Leagues Cup 2025

América’s victory earned them four points in the group stage, placing them seventh among Liga MX teams in the Leagues Cup standings. However, with only four Liga MX teams advancing, América’s path to the knockout rounds remains challenging. Minnesota, with three points after their earlier win, dropped to sixth in the MLS group standings. Both teams face pressure in their final group-stage matches to secure a spot in the next round.

Where to Watch Highlights

Fans can relive the match’s thrilling moments on platforms like Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, which broadcast the game live, and Canal Nueve, which offered free coverage in Mexico. YouTube channels such as TUDN and MLS provide detailed highlights, capturing the intensity of the goals, saves, and penalty shootout.

Conclusion

The América vs. Minnesota United clash was a testament to the competitive spirit of the Leagues Cup, blending high stakes, dramatic moments, and individual brilliance. América’s ability to overcome adversity, including a red card and a two-goal deficit, underscored their championship pedigree. For Minnesota, the match highlighted their potential to compete with North America’s elite, though their shootout loss will sting. As both teams prepare for their next challenges, this match will be remembered as a Leagues Cup classic, with Malagón’s heroics and Violante’s decisive penalty etching their names into América’s storied history.