The CONCACAF Champions League is already halfway through the group stage, and there are a number of surprises to keep an eye on as well as another nomination for goal of the tournament.
Jamaica’s Waterhouse does it again
Waterhouse easily dispensed of Panama’s Tauro 4-1 and now have 6 points to lead Group 4. No Jamaican side has ever advanced through the group stage in the CONCACAF Champions League. In fact, Jamaican clubs were 0-7-2 (W-L-D) in the history of CONCACAF Champions plays dating back to 1962. Waterhouse hosts D.C. United next on September 16th and a win will make it next to impossible for D.C. United to advance. Waterhouse has conceded just 2 goals in their 3 matches, and will be a tough defense to break at home where they lead the Jamaican league in fewest goals conceded.
Costa Rica pushing the Mexicans for supremacy
Mexican clubs have dominated the CCL winning 30 of the 51 titles and 9 straight. But only 2 Mexican clubs currently lead their group (Pachuca and America), while all 3 of the Costa Rican sides lead their respective groups. Saprissa, Alejuelense and last minute replacement CS Herediano all lead their groups after 2 matches. CS Herediano looked particularly strong on Matchday 3 yielding a late goal to draw with Mexican power Leon and maintain their group lead.
Pachuca is the only club who is almost assured a place in the quarterfinal. They hold a 5 point edge with 2 games left to play.
New York Red Bulls keep pace with Montreal
The Red Bulls brought MLS’ CCL record to 5-0-1 through Matchday 3 but it’s safe to say the MLS teams have yet to play their toughest competition. The Red Bulls easily beat the best EL Salvador had to offer with a 2-0 win over CD FAS, the same team that Montreal has defeated for their two early wins. It appears the tie between the Red Bulls and Montreal Impact will decide who advances from Group 3.
Challenger for goal of the tournament
One time MLS MLVP and Guatemalan National Carlos Ruiz scored an incredible goal for Municipal in the loss to Pachuca. Take a look at the left footed one-timer off a corner kick. The ball does’t hit the ground until it’s in the goal. To see the other nomination for goal of the tournament you can see it at the bottom of the Matchday 2 review.
Next up in mid-September
- It gets serious for MLS in Matchday 4:
- D.C. United visits the Cinderella story Waterhouse
- Sporting Kansas City takes on the group leader Saprissa
- Portland takes on Honduran side and group leader Olimpia
- The Red Bulls visit the Montreal Impact
The TV schedule is here.
