Leagues Cup: Monterrey vs. FC Cincinnati Picks — MLS High-Flyers to Overcome Mexican Rivals? (Jul 31)

A mammoth showdown headlines the third night of clashes in the Leagues Cup this summer, as Mexican heavyweights Monterrey collide with MLS high-flyers FC Cincinnati.

FC Cincinnati sits second in the Eastern Conference after 25 rounds of matches, having won 15 times in 2025. They have also recorded victories in two of their last three, and have kept three straight clean sheets.

Monterrey also bring excellent form into this opening clash of the competition after winning each of their last two since a shock defeat on matchday one. Last time out, the Mexican club recorded a dominant 3-1 win against Atlas FC.

Monterrey vs. FC Cincinnati Overview

Odds

Monterrey vs. FC Cincinnati Head-to-Head Record

This will be a third meeting between FC Cincinnati and Monterrey, with the Mexican club having won each of the last two clashes. The most recent meeting saw Monterrey land a 2-1 success in a friendly in March 2024.

Monterrey Team News

Domenec Torrent is unlikely to rotate his winning team this week following an excellent success against Atlas last time out. However, Carlos Salcedo remains unavailable due to a serious knee injury.

Possible Lineup

S. Mele (GK); V. Guzman, S. Medina, S. Ramos, R. Chavez, Oliver, J. Rodriguez, G. Arteaga, G. Berterame, S. Canales, J. Corona

FC Cincinnati Team News

Goalkeeper Alec Kann remains out for FC Cincinnati. Pat Noonan could also recall Brad Smith and Alvas Powell following last weekend’s draw against Inter Miami.

Possible Lineup

R. Celentano (GK); M. Robinson, M. Miazga, A. Powell, D. Yedlin, P. Bucha, B. Anunga, B. Smith, Evander, G. Valenzuela, K. Kamara

Monterrey vs. FC Cincinnati Picks

A close encounter is expected between these sides on matchday one in the Leagues Cup. Both Monterrey and FC Cincinnati bring excellent winning form to the table this week.

However, the narrow preference is for Cincinnati’s defensive record to make a huge difference. For that reason, we could see the MLS side claiming a victory to nil.