On Friday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC play their inaugural Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Club León. The MLS season will stop for a month as the league intertwines with Liga MX in this unique new international competition.
Club León are the defending Leagues Cup champions after defeating Seattle Sounders FC 3-2 in the last edition of the tournament in 2021, and they will not give up their crown lightly.
This is another big match for the 'Caps, and another chance to lift a trophy.
Here's what you need to know about their newest foes.
Who are Club León?
The best team in the entire region.
That's not subjective, or hyperbole. Last month they were crowned Concacaf Champions League (now Concacaf Champions Cup) winners, claiming the title of best team in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
It was the same competition where the 'Caps made the quarterfinals this year, before being ousted by an LAFC team that many saw as the region's best team.
Not so fast. This León team won both legs against LAFC in the final, ultimately taking the series 3-1 on aggregate.
Who are their key players?
Ecuadorian winger Ángel Mena, now 35, is top 10 on León's all-time scoring list with 73 goals since joining the club in 2019. For his country, he has made more than 45 appearances, including his most recent on June 20 alongside Pedro Vite, when the Whitecaps FC midfielder scored on his senior international debut.
Víctor Dávila is a force up front. The little Chilean has 33 goals since joining the club in 2021. For his country, the 25-year-old has made five appearances so far.
On the backline, William Tesillo leads the way. The Colombian international has made more than 150 appearances for the club since he arrived in 2018. On the international stage he has represented Colombia 30 times.
Have the 'Caps played a Mexican side before?
Yes, but only once before in official competition.
In 2017, the 'Caps made it all the way to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions League, taking on the giants of the region and the highest spending club, Tigres UANL.
The 'Caps battled valiantly. After a 2-0 defeat in Mexico, the Blue & White scored inside the first five minutes at BC Place to cut it to 2-1. They had chances to tie it as well, but ultimately Tigres proved too strong and won the second leg 2-1, taking it 4-1 on aggregate.
What happens next?
The 'Caps will play their second Leagues Cup match on the road the following Saturday, July 29 at LA Galaxy.
The top two teams from their group will advance to the knockout rounds. If the 'Caps win the group, they will host their first knockout game back at BC Place on August 4.
