Preview: Cruz Azul vs Seattle Sounders - prediction, team news, lineups

Seattle Sounders kick off their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign on Thursday evening as they welcome Liga MX powerhouse Cruz Azul to Lumen Field.

Beyond the pride of inter-league supremacy, there is plenty at stake, with the top three finishers earning direct qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, and the eventual champion will gain automatic entry into the tournament's Round of 16.

Match preview

Cruz Azul, one of the region’s most storied clubs, share the record for most Concacaf Champions Cup titles (seven) with Club America and come into this tournament as reigning continental champions.

They secured the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup in emphatic fashion, thrashing Vancouver Whitecaps 5-0 in the final on June 1 to claim their first international title in over a decade.

Currently sitting fifth in the Liga MX Apertura standings with five points from three games, La Maquina will arrive in Seattle full of confidence following a commanding 4-1 win over Leon in their most recent league outing.

This fixture will mark the third time these teams have faced off this calendar year, having met in the Round of 16 in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Cruz Azul came out on top 4-1 on aggregate after holding the Sounders to a goalless draw in Seattle before winning convincingly in Mexico City.

Seattle, meanwhile, are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions when they take on the Mexicans.

Since their exit from the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, they have looked sharp, though recent draws have slowed momentum, including a 2-2 result against Atlanta United last weekend.

Defensive frailties have been a concern, with the Sounders conceding at least twice in each of their last four outings and failing to record a clean sheet in five straight games.

Although unbeaten in their last four at home, Brian Schmetzer’s side have only won one of those, highlighting the need for a stronger start in front of their fans this Thursday.

Cruz Azul Leagues Cup form:

Cruz Azul form (all competitions):

Seattle Sounders Leagues Cup form:

Seattle Sounders form (all competitions):

Team News

Cruz Azul will remain without Andres Montano, who is recovering from a long-term cruciate ligament injury and is not expected back until late January 2026.

Forward Gabriel Fernandez is doubtful due to a knee injury, and his availability will be evaluated ahead of the match.

Angel Sepulveda continues to lead the line with confidence, having finished as the top scorer in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup with nine goals, including one against Seattle earlier this year, and he has already scored four in three Liga MX matches, putting him joint-top in the scoring charts.

New Argentine midfielder Jose Paradela has also impressed, scoring three goals in his first three league appearances, a tally that currently puts him level with Sepulveda at the top of the Liga MX scoring table.

Seattle are dealing with a number of injury concerns, with Joao Paulo out with a knee issue and not expected back until late August, while Jordan Morris will likely remain sidelined until early September due to a shoulder injury.

Paul Arriola remains a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament tear, while Paul Rothrock (hand), Stefan Frei (head), and Stuart Russell Hawkins (hip) are all working toward mid-to-late August returns.

Cruz Azul possible starting lineup:

Mier; Ditta, Lira, Piovi; Sanchez, Faravelli, Romero, Rotondi; Rodriguez, Paradela; Sepulveda

Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:

Thomas; Kossa-Rienzi, Gomez, Bell, Baker-Whiting; Vargas, C. Roldan; Ferreira, Rusnak, De la Vega; Morris

We say: Cruz Azul 2-4 Seattle Sounders

Seattle may be unbeaten in six, but their shaky defence remains a major concern, and with Cruz Azul flying high and already beating the Sounders earlier this year, the Mexicans look poised to take advantage of the defence again.

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