After the LA Galaxy’s 4-1 drubbing from Puerto Rico Islanders, many assumed this would be another year of failure for MLS sides in the CONCACAF Champions League. That no longer appears to be the case. In three matches, MLS sides have maximum points, a feat never achieved by MLS teams since the tournament was reorganized in its current format for the 2008-2009 season.
Puerto Rico Islanders (PR) 1, Olimpia (HON) 1: The USSF Division II’s Puerto Rico Islanders stunned American fans by defeating the LA Galaxy, but they are veterans of the CONCACAF Champions League. Although they are a second division side, they qualify for the tournament through the Caribbean Club Championship. The top three teams from the tournament earn berths, as PRI has done three years running, winning it this season. PRI drew at home to Olimpia, a Honduran side that last saw CCL group play in the 2008-2009 season. That same season, PRI made it all the way to the semifinals, losing to Cruz Azul on penalties following the second leg.
Toronto FC (CAN) 2, Cruz Azul (MEX) 1:Toronto FC started things off for MLS with a bang, defeating Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-1 at BMO Field in Toronto. It was the first time Cruz Azul lost a match to a non-Mexican opponent since the 2008-2009 tournament, and their first ever loss to an MLS side in CONCACAF play. The Mexican side has been the tournament runner-up in the last two iterations.
Columbus Crew (USA) 1, Municipal (GUA) 0:Columbus’ defeat of Guatemalan side Municipal was less noteworthy, but still important. Columbus was the only MLS squad to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament last season, losing 5-4 on aggregate to Mexico’s Toluca. Their win combined with Group B member Santos Laguna’s 5-2 demolishing of Trinidad’s Joe Public FC puts the Crew in position to move on to the next round. Columbus’ only challenge should be Santos, especially on the road.
Real Salt Lake 2, Arabe Unido (PAN) 1:The most interesting match of the round so far was undoubtedly the Real Salt Lake clash with Panama’s Arabe Unido. Unido went ahead early on a deflection goal, but went down to 10 men in the 29th minute. Real Salt Lake equalized in first half stoppage time, leading to a very ugly second half. Unido bunkered, playing for the draw, but quickly resorted time wasting via the fake injury. This lead to eight minutes of stoppage time (probably not enough). Real Salt Lake was awarded a penalty in the 4th minute of stoppage time, giving them a well-deserved victory.
Seattle Sounders FC (USA) @ Marathon (HON) – Thursday: Seattle Sounders FC is the only MLS squad on the road on Match Day 1. They face Honduran powerhouse Marathon Thursday night. The match will be broadcast at 10pm EST on Fox Soccer Channel. Seattle is 1-0-1 in the tournament, defeating Isidiro Metapan in the preliminary round 2-1 on aggregate. Even if Seattle earns a draw, it will put them in a good position as fellow Group C side Costa Rican giants Saprissa fell to Mexico’s Monterrey on Tuesday, 1-0 in Monterrey.
Adam Soucie is the author of Soccer, Not Football, a blog focused on the American game. If you’ve liked this piece, check out his other work. If you haven’t liked it, he promises there’s better stuff on his site.