America Vs. Cruz Azul: US Soccer Fans Rally Behind MLS Side In Concacaf Clash
America Vs. Cruz Azul: US Soccer Fans Rally Behind MLS Side In Concacaf Clash...
American soccer fans are tuning in en masse as Club América faces Cruz Azul in tonight's high-stakes Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal (8:15 PM ET, FS1). The matchup between Mexico's two most popular clubs has captured US attention due to growing MLS-Liga MX rivalries and the tournament's expanded format.
This marks the first time since 2021 that two Mexican clubs meet in the Concacaf semifinals. The game is trending across US social media, with many MLS supporters backing América as the lesser evil against Cruz Azul, their frequent international opponent. Ticket resale prices for next week's second leg at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca have already tripled.
The rivalry holds special significance for US-based fans. Over 30,000 Mexican-Americans packed SoFi Stadium last month when these teams met in a preseason friendly. Tonight's match at Cruz Azul's Estadio Azteca (capacity reduced to 65,000 for renovations) will test whether América can overcome their recent road struggles in the series.
Concacaf officials confirm the winner advances to face either Columbus Crew or Monterrey in June's final. The tournament champion earns a berth in FIFA's expanded Club World Cup, adding stakes for American viewers tracking MLS's international growth. Univision reports Spanish-language viewership could break records for a non-MLS involving US broadcast.
Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez noted on ESPN FC: "This is exactly why Concacaf merged the tournaments. These are the matchups that move needles across borders." The game comes as Liga MX maintains its position as the most-watched soccer league in the US, averaging 946,000 viewers per match in 2025 - nearly double MLS's numbers.
Security has been heightened in Mexico City following incidents during March's Clásico Joven. The Mexico City government deployed 1,200 officers around the stadium after fan violence marred the teams' last competitive meeting. Both clubs issued joint statements condemning misconduct ahead of tonight's match.
With no VAR controversies in their quarterfinal wins, both managers expressed confidence in Concacaf's officiating. AmĂ©rica's AndrĂ© Jardine told reporters: "We know the eyes of North America are watching." His Cruz Azul counterpart MartĂn Anselmi responded: "Pressure is what makes these nights legendary."
The timing coincides with MLS's push to challenge Liga MX's dominance. A recent Morning Consult poll shows 41% of US soccer fans now follow both leagues equally, up from 28% in 2020. Tonight's result could influence perceptions ahead of next month's Leagues Cup, where MLS and Liga MX teams compete in a World Cup-style tournament across US venues.
