Total domination! MLS puts Liga MX in its pocket; understand

MLS is on top of the world — at least as far as the Leagues Cup 2024 is concerned. With four clubs in the semi-finals, Major League Soccer has proved once and for all that Liga MX is no longer the bogeyman of soccer in the Americas. If there were doubts before about the quality and competitiveness of the American teams, they have now been dispelled, making it clear that the balance of power has started to tip towards the North American side.

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The Colorado Rapids, who many considered underdogs, showed that the shirt weighs, but strategy and the will to win weigh even more. The elimination of Club América, a Mexican giant, in the quarter-finals was a real shock to the critics and a clear sign that the MLS is here to stay. It wasn't an easy game, of course - it never is when you're up against one of Liga MX's most traditional clubs. But the Rapids played with heart, and that made all the difference. It was as if David had taken down Goliath once again, but this time with a precise shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

The evolution of MLS teams is undeniable. Not only in terms of organization and aggressiveness on the pitch, but also in terms of winning mentality. Austin FC, who were eventually eliminated by LAFC, showed top quality soccer in the previous rounds, knocking out teams like Pumas and Monterrey. Even Tigres, another Mexican colossus, couldn't escape defeat, succumbing to New York City FC.

And it wasn't just Colorado Rapids who did well. FC Cincinnati, with their win over Querétaro and the dramatic tie-breaker against Santos Laguna, showed that the MLS is no longer a league to be underestimated. With every win, confidence grows and the league solidifies itself as a real force.

The difference is clear when you compare it to previous editions of the Leagues Cup. Last year, only one MLS team made it to the semifinals. This year, there are four. This is no coincidence, it's the result of constant evolution, both in terms of investment and the technical quality of the players. What's more, it's proof that MLS clubs are beginning to understand what it takes to win international tournaments: discipline, focus and a bit of daring.

What André Jardine, Club América's coach, said after the elimination is very significant. He acknowledged that if the tournament had been played entirely in Mexico, the result might have been different. And he's partly right. Playing at home always offers an advantage, especially in international competitions. But this speech also reveals a paradigm shift: it's no longer about Mexican teams being naturally superior, now it's about how circumstances and preparation can make all the difference. The MLS is no longer the supporting player.

This growth of the American league is no coincidence. The MLS has invested heavily, not only in players and infrastructure, but also in mentality. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the pressure to evolve and compete at a high level is only increasing. And this is being reflected on the pitch. The teams are stronger, faster, smarter. The MLS has gone from a league that only signed stars at the end of their careers to a vibrant competition with young talents and veterans who still have a lot to offer.

Soccer in North America is changing, and the MLS is the engine of that transformation. The Leagues Cup has had American champions for two consecutive years, which only reinforces the idea that the league is on the rise. The growth in attendance, the increase in the number of goals and the inclusion of new franchises, such as San Diego FC, are just some of the signs that we are witnessing the birth of a new power in world soccer.

On the other hand, this dominance also presents challenges. The MLS needs to continue developing its players, improving its academies and investing in the training of grassroots players. It's not enough just to win now, but to ensure that this superiority continues in the years to come.

Liga MX, for its part, is not going to accept this change without a fight. It's almost certain that the Mexican clubs will come back even stronger in the next editions of the Leagues Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup. But for now, the MLS can celebrate. With the semi-finals dominated by its clubs, the American league has proved that it can compete on equal terms with the best teams in Mexico.