The first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) quarterfinal round is in the books and three of the four Liga MX clubs have the upper hand heading into game two.
Out of the four matches there were a total of eight goals scored, only one of the matches ended in a scoreless draw. Two Mexican clubs picked up crucial 2-0 home victories. While the Seattle Sounders F.C. kept on surrendering their lead, that match would end in an exciting 2-2 draw.
Regardless, that all of the Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs failed to win a match; all four of them still have a decent chance of advancing to the semifinals. However, let’s first take a look back at the four games that took places on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Querétaro F.C. 2-0 D.C. United, at the Estadio Corregidora on Tuesday
The quarterfinals kicked off with D.C. United facing Querétaro F.C. The Black and Red for the entire match went toe to toe with the newcomer of the CCL. They produced 17 shots in the match and placed nine of them on target.However, their down fall was the stellar performance of Los Gallos Blancos goalkeeper Tiago Volpi. The keeper stopped nine shots in the match to frustrate and keep DCU off the board.
However, in the second half Querétaro broke through by scoring two goals in a span of 12 minutes. Substitute midfielder Yerson Miranda blasted a rocket to the top right hand corner to give the home club the 1-0 lead in the 71st minute. Then in the 83rd minute Édgar Benítez finished up the game by converting a one on one opportunity with the goalie. The Paraguayan international forward fired a low hard shot to the bottom left hand corner to win the match 2-0.
The final leg of this match will be played on Tuesday at RFK Stadium. DCU is still alive and has a few ways of advancing to the semis. To play it safe they have to win the game 2-0 to push the match into extra time to decide a winner, due to the 2-2 goal aggregate. However, if they want to win the series and avoid extra time or potentially penalties, then they have to win the game by three goals or more.
Seattle Sounders F.C. 2-2 Club América, at the CenturyLink Field on Tuesday
This game was the best of the round, hands down. It produced the best goal of the second round thus far, Clint Dempsey free kick in the 44th minute. The American international fired a curving shot from the top of the penalty box to the top right hand corner of the net to give the Rave Green the 1-0 lead.
In the second half he recaptured the lead for Seattle. His header made it 2-1 in the 52nd minute. However, Club América was stubborn as they refused to lose the game, they stormed back twice to end the match in a draw.
Now the two clubs will clash again on Wednesday at the historical Estadio Azteca. The Sounders simply have to win the match if they want to advance. They can win 1-0 and advance with a 3-2 aggregate. However, if América scores a goal then they have to win by at least a goal to advance to the next round with a 4-3 aggregate score line.
Tigres U.A.N.L 2-0 Real Salt Lake, at the Estadio Universitario on Wednesday
Real Salt Lake in the first half were not intimidated by Los Universitarios as they outshot them eight to seven. However, their downfall was the accuracy of their shooting. Only three of their chances in the first 45 minutes tested the goalkeeper and Tigres U.A.N.L defense.
In the second half the Royals ran out gas and Tigres took over as they outshot them 12 to five. When Tigres’ José Rivas and Jurgen Damm scored in the second half it came as no surprise.
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That being said RSL is still alive and their chance of advancing improves since the final game will be played at their home, Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday.
Similar to D.C. a 2-0 victory in regulation will extend the match into extra time or penalties if need be to decide a winner. A 3-0 or 4-1 victory will send them to the semis without any extra time needed. However, a 3-1 result will end their CCL run in the quarterfinal. Regardless, that the aggregate will finish 3-3, the simple fact that Tigres was able to earn an away goal dooms RSL.
Los Angeles Galaxy 0-0 Santos Laguna, at the StubHub Center on Wednesday
This game was the biggest disappointment out of the other four matches. It was not because of the scoreless draw, but instead due to the missed chances in the game. The Los Angeles Galaxy and Santos Laguna combined for 24 shots and only eight of them were on target.
The Galaxy dominated the first half as they created eight of their 13 shots in the half. Plus three of their four shots that were on target also came in the first 45 minutes. LA had nothing to show for their effort by the time halftime reached.
In the second half Galaxy’s newcomers: center back Jelle van Damme and goalkeeper Dan Kennedy kept Santos of the scoreboard. The Mexican club was quicker and more accurate with their passes. They were faster to second balls and in result they created six of their 11 shots in the final 45 minutes. However, Kennedy made two of his three saves to prevent Santos from picking up the vital away goal.
Now since the match ended in a scoreless draw the second leg is completely wide open. The Galaxy can win by a narrow score of 1-0 or even draw the match by any score line and advance, due to the away goals rules. All they have to do is make sure they do not lose the match and they will be heading to the semis of the CCL. The second match will be on Tuesday at the Estadio Corona.
Well now let’s see which of the eight clubs will be advancing in the tournament. Will it be a Liga MX sweep on the MLS clubs? Will the American teams finally get over the hump and eliminate the Mexican clubs? Let’s just wait and see what unfolds on Tuesday and Wednesday.