HOUSTON (July 28, 2025) – Houston Dynamo FC is set to kick off Phase One of the Leagues Cup 2025 against Liga MX’s Tigres UANL on Tuesday, July 29, at Shell Energy Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT. Fans eager to attend can secure their tickets online.
This year’s Concacaf-sanctioned tournament introduces a refreshed format, facilitating exciting interleague matches between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX teams through the quarterfinals. A total of 36 clubs—18 from each league—will participate in the tournament, structured in two rounds: Phase One and the Knockout Rounds.
During Phase One, clubs will compete in three matches against different opponents from the opposing league, accumulating points in tables specific to their league. The top four teams from both MLS and Liga MX will progress to the quarterfinals. Notably, there are no draws during Phase One, as matches remain determined through a penalty shootout if tied, with points distributed as follows: 3 points for a win in regulation, 2 points for a penalty shootout win, and 1 point for a draw.
In its third edition, the tournament will again provide three qualifying spots for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, paving the way for the region’s representative at FIFA international club competitions.
The Dynamo performed well last year, reaching the knockout stage after topping their group with victories over Real Salt Lake and Atlas FC. However, they were eliminated by Deportivo Toluca FC in a penalty shootout. Highlights from last year also included standout performances by winger Lawrence Ennali and forward Ezequiel Ponce, who scored his first career goal with the club against Toluca.
Historically, Houston has fared well against Liga MX teams with an impressive 11-5-4 (WLD) record at home. This upcoming match against Tigres will be their third encounter, with their last meeting in the 2019 Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals, which Houston advanced from with a strong performance.
Currently, Tigres is ranked third in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 standings, having won both their opening matches of the season. Their performance adds anticipation to the upcoming match, which promises to be highly competitive.
Additionally, Houston’s scheduled match against the LA Galaxy was postponed due to adverse field conditions from recent inclement weather but has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. The Dynamo recently secured a crucial point against the Philadelphia Union, with midfielder Jack McGlynn scoring in his first match against his former team.
Last week, two Dynamo players showcased their talent during the MLS All-Star Week in Austin, Texas. Defender Daniel Barrett captained the West in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, while goalkeeper Pedro Cruz triumphed in the 2025 Goalie Wars at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, highlighting the Dynamo’s nurturing of future stars.
This tournament serves as an exciting opportunity for development and international representation, and fans are looking forward to a thrilling match against Tigres, promising high stakes and memorably competitive soccer.