Atlante took a major step towards representing CONCACAF at the FIFA Club World Cup by handing Cruz Azul a 2-0 loss in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final on Wednesday in Estadio Azul.
The two road goals are a major advantage for Atlante, who will head home in a comfortable position ahead of what could be an historic achievement for Atlante.
Entering the tournament way back last summer, few expected much from Atlante. They were the forgotten Mexican club as Pumas, Santos and Cruz Azul were likely to duke it out for the championship. All four teams reached the knockout rounds but thus far Atlante have been the most successful, knocking out Santos in the semis and now close to doing the same to la Maquina.
Atlante vs. Manchester United? Could happen.
Showing posts with label CONCACAF Champions League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CONCACAF Champions League. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
CONCA-Champions Final
Cruz Azul have a storied history, although the current Clausura 2009 season doesn't exactly show that. La Maquina are struggling in league, having won just twice in 14 games played. But Cruz Azul have a shot of making history as they could win the first-ever CONCACAF Champions League champions.
La Maquina will host Atlante in the CCL final tonight, the first leg of it anyway, and the series will shift to Cancun for next week's decisive second leg.
Cruz Azul have been piss poor in league, as have Atlante. But the way the tournament is set up, the winner will have several months to improve before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off.
It's of little consolation to the teams' respective Clausura campaign. And the two teams have long ago written the season off. Atlante rested several key players in their game on Friday, a 2-1 loss at Tecos, while Cruz Azul have had a seemingly different focus on the CCL.
It's tough to predict this series, given the two teams' poor league form. Cruz Azul and Atlante each have done well to reach this stage, and each faced a difficult task in the semifinal series. Atlante needed a late penalty to beat Santos while Cruz Azul needed penalty kicks to knock out Puerto Rico.
Cruz Azul have the advantage tonight in hosting Atlante, and with nothing else to play for expect both teams to give all of their efforts to winning the CCL and at least walking away from these last months with something to show for their efforts.
La Maquina will host Atlante in the CCL final tonight, the first leg of it anyway, and the series will shift to Cancun for next week's decisive second leg.
Cruz Azul have been piss poor in league, as have Atlante. But the way the tournament is set up, the winner will have several months to improve before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off.
It's of little consolation to the teams' respective Clausura campaign. And the two teams have long ago written the season off. Atlante rested several key players in their game on Friday, a 2-1 loss at Tecos, while Cruz Azul have had a seemingly different focus on the CCL.
It's tough to predict this series, given the two teams' poor league form. Cruz Azul and Atlante each have done well to reach this stage, and each faced a difficult task in the semifinal series. Atlante needed a late penalty to beat Santos while Cruz Azul needed penalty kicks to knock out Puerto Rico.
Cruz Azul have the advantage tonight in hosting Atlante, and with nothing else to play for expect both teams to give all of their efforts to winning the CCL and at least walking away from these last months with something to show for their efforts.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Atlante prevail
Atlante beat Santos 3-1 on Wednesday and joined Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions League final.
The match was fairly exciting and intense but seemed to unravel at the end. The match was decided by Rafael Marquez Lugo, who converted a penalty in stoppage time to give Atlante the series-clinching goal. Three red cards ensued as a brawl broke out deep in stoppage time.
Now, I don't know if the call was a penalty or not. The referee called a penalty on Alejandro Figueroa for knocking down Gabriel Pereyra inside the box, and Marquez Lugo converted the spot kick.
I suppose one way around the officiating issue would be to allow for domestic officials in these country-versus-country matches. A Mexican referee would be used to the contact, fouls and dives that exist in the league, and at the very least there would be a lot more familiarity with the teams and the style of play because of that. It;s one thing for a, say Canadian ref to officiate a match between a Mexican and Costa Rican club, but when it's Mexico-vs-Mexico, just seems natural that a Mexican ref would best know how to call the game.
Anyway, here are the highlights.
The match was fairly exciting and intense but seemed to unravel at the end. The match was decided by Rafael Marquez Lugo, who converted a penalty in stoppage time to give Atlante the series-clinching goal. Three red cards ensued as a brawl broke out deep in stoppage time.
Now, I don't know if the call was a penalty or not. The referee called a penalty on Alejandro Figueroa for knocking down Gabriel Pereyra inside the box, and Marquez Lugo converted the spot kick.
I suppose one way around the officiating issue would be to allow for domestic officials in these country-versus-country matches. A Mexican referee would be used to the contact, fouls and dives that exist in the league, and at the very least there would be a lot more familiarity with the teams and the style of play because of that. It;s one thing for a, say Canadian ref to officiate a match between a Mexican and Costa Rican club, but when it's Mexico-vs-Mexico, just seems natural that a Mexican ref would best know how to call the game.
Anyway, here are the highlights.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Puerto Rico-Cruz Azul CCL
Mexican clubs don't lose at home in international competition (unless, of course, it's to fellow Mexican clubs) when it matters.
Case in point: Tuesday's latest opportunity for another team to leave Mexico with a series victory and was the latest evidence that the Mexican clubs are the strongest in the region.
Puerto Rico gave it their all, perhaps gave Cruz Azul a little too much respect, but it took la Maquina 120 minutes and five penalty kicks to get past the gutty little Puerto Rico side.
Puerto Rico entered the game with a 2-0 aggregate lead, went a man up half hour in and still couldn't put Cruz Azul away. The Islanders even had a one-goal lead with less than 10 minutes to go, less than 10 minutes between the USL side and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League final, but squandered it away too. The two teams exchanged extra-time goals, with Puerto Rico's coming courtesy of a nifty strike from distance by Sandy Gbandi. But Cesar Villaluz equalized a little later for the hosts.
In the end, Cruz Azul won it on penalties, besting the Islanders by a 4-2 shootout score. It's a stinging loss for Puerto Rico, especially since the Islanders had come so far only to lose in such heartbreaking manner.
Now, the final is guaranteed of being an all-Mexico final. Cruz Azul will take on the Atlante-Santos survivor in the CCL final. Although that is a surprise to nobody - at least it shouldn't be - the manner in which the USL threatened to pull off an upset was fairly surprising.
Case in point: Tuesday's latest opportunity for another team to leave Mexico with a series victory and was the latest evidence that the Mexican clubs are the strongest in the region.
Puerto Rico gave it their all, perhaps gave Cruz Azul a little too much respect, but it took la Maquina 120 minutes and five penalty kicks to get past the gutty little Puerto Rico side.
Puerto Rico entered the game with a 2-0 aggregate lead, went a man up half hour in and still couldn't put Cruz Azul away. The Islanders even had a one-goal lead with less than 10 minutes to go, less than 10 minutes between the USL side and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League final, but squandered it away too. The two teams exchanged extra-time goals, with Puerto Rico's coming courtesy of a nifty strike from distance by Sandy Gbandi. But Cesar Villaluz equalized a little later for the hosts.
In the end, Cruz Azul won it on penalties, besting the Islanders by a 4-2 shootout score. It's a stinging loss for Puerto Rico, especially since the Islanders had come so far only to lose in such heartbreaking manner.
Now, the final is guaranteed of being an all-Mexico final. Cruz Azul will take on the Atlante-Santos survivor in the CCL final. Although that is a surprise to nobody - at least it shouldn't be - the manner in which the USL threatened to pull off an upset was fairly surprising.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Santos win first leg
Atlante got a road goal but Santos got the win in a 2-1 triumph over los Potros in Torreon on Wednesday.
Santos' Darwin Quintero, who has made his presence felt at different times this tournament, scored both goals. The second goal was a thing of beauty. With the game tied 1-1 in the second half, Quintero dribbled towards the penalty area on a quick counter. With Atlante's Federico Vilar well off his line, Quintero chipped the ball from about 22 yards out over Vilar's head and into the back of the net.
From the start of the tournament, Santos had stated their desire to win the tournament. The team has been dominant at home, having won all five of their home games during the tournament.
Santos' Darwin Quintero, who has made his presence felt at different times this tournament, scored both goals. The second goal was a thing of beauty. With the game tied 1-1 in the second half, Quintero dribbled towards the penalty area on a quick counter. With Atlante's Federico Vilar well off his line, Quintero chipped the ball from about 22 yards out over Vilar's head and into the back of the net.
From the start of the tournament, Santos had stated their desire to win the tournament. The team has been dominant at home, having won all five of their home games during the tournament.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Islanders win
Puerto Rico Islanders pulled off another upset, although I'm not sure it can be called an upset any more.
Puerto Rico beat Cruz Azul 2-0 at home on Tuesday. Sandy Gbandi and Nicholas Addlery scored for Puerto Rico.
We'll see how PR does in Mexico but for now they have the feel of a team that is destined for more.
Puerto Rico beat Cruz Azul 2-0 at home on Tuesday. Sandy Gbandi and Nicholas Addlery scored for Puerto Rico.
We'll see how PR does in Mexico but for now they have the feel of a team that is destined for more.
Monday, March 9, 2009
An idiot AND a retard
Remember last week when I told you all that I get called an idiot on a weekly basis?
I don't lie.
Just got this in my inbox. It actually made me laugh.
You are an idiot for even suggesting that USL is better than MLS. Ever heard of the US Open Cup? Has Puerto Rico won a semifinal series yet? Well then they haven't done any better than MLS has. Only retards ignore history.
I don't lie.
Just got this in my inbox. It actually made me laugh.
You are an idiot for even suggesting that USL is better than MLS. Ever heard of the US Open Cup? Has Puerto Rico won a semifinal series yet? Well then they haven't done any better than MLS has. Only retards ignore history.
Friday, March 6, 2009
No half-hearted effort
Usually when I write something I expect to get feedback from, I am alerted by some e-mail that my SI.com column has been posted.
This time, I beat myself to the punch. My USL/CCL column is up.
Here's the link, but I have yet to get any response.
My favorite line from the story:
"Our teams didn't go into this -- just like they don't go into the [U.S.] Open Cup or the Canadian Cup -- as a half-assed exercise," Marcos said. "It's real. It's a way to vindicate themselves. It's a way to prove that they belong."
This time, I beat myself to the punch. My USL/CCL column is up.
Here's the link, but I have yet to get any response.
My favorite line from the story:
"Our teams didn't go into this -- just like they don't go into the [U.S.] Open Cup or the Canadian Cup -- as a half-assed exercise," Marcos said. "It's real. It's a way to vindicate themselves. It's a way to prove that they belong."
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Stunning match
What a game. I don't know how you top that kind of game, at least in this tournament.
Santos won 5-2 and won the series 5-4. They play Atlante in the semifinals while Montreal is out.
Two things...
* Anyone still doubt the dominance Mexican teams have at home? The last time a Mexican team lost at home... was on Wednesday when Pumas lost but they lost to Cruz Azul. The last time a Mexican team lost a game (in the CCC or CCL) to a non-Mexican team in Mexico was indeed Atlante as East River pointed out. Atlante lost to Joe Public during the group stage. Saprissa beat Monterrey in Monterrey in 2005, but on PKs. I checked the '03 and '02 tourneys but the venues weren't all available so it was difficult to tell if some of the Mexican teams' losses came at home or not. But no losses from 2004 through this year save for Atlante's setback to Joe Public.
* Montreal blew it. Giving up two stoppage-time goals is unacceptable. I don't care if it's a USL team or a high school team; allowing those goals under those circumstances is horrid. They showed they could play with Santos but they also showed their inability to rise up to the level of the game.
Santos won 5-2 and won the series 5-4. They play Atlante in the semifinals while Montreal is out.
Two things...
* Anyone still doubt the dominance Mexican teams have at home? The last time a Mexican team lost at home... was on Wednesday when Pumas lost but they lost to Cruz Azul. The last time a Mexican team lost a game (in the CCC or CCL) to a non-Mexican team in Mexico was indeed Atlante as East River pointed out. Atlante lost to Joe Public during the group stage. Saprissa beat Monterrey in Monterrey in 2005, but on PKs. I checked the '03 and '02 tourneys but the venues weren't all available so it was difficult to tell if some of the Mexican teams' losses came at home or not. But no losses from 2004 through this year save for Atlante's setback to Joe Public.
* Montreal blew it. Giving up two stoppage-time goals is unacceptable. I don't care if it's a USL team or a high school team; allowing those goals under those circumstances is horrid. They showed they could play with Santos but they also showed their inability to rise up to the level of the game.
He's a believer
I had a great conversation with USL President Francisco Marcos earlier this morning. While I can't put some of what he said regarding his overall thoughts on Puerto Rico's run and his league and the CONCACAF Champions League here right now, I did have the opportunity to talk to him about Montreal tonight and how he feels about their chances.
I wrote up a story for that for Goal.com. I'll have a column on some of the other stuff on SI.com tomorrow.
As far as Montreal goes, if they score one goal, it would force Santos to score four in order to win. They do have an opportunity to advance and make the CCL semis a USL-Mexico affair... well, it already is an exclusive USL-Mexico party but it could be two teams apiece instead of three Mexican teams and one USL representative.
This USL-MLS discussion is far from over, friends. And the USL is not a crackpot second-rate league either.
I wrote up a story for that for Goal.com. I'll have a column on some of the other stuff on SI.com tomorrow.
As far as Montreal goes, if they score one goal, it would force Santos to score four in order to win. They do have an opportunity to advance and make the CCL semis a USL-Mexico affair... well, it already is an exclusive USL-Mexico party but it could be two teams apiece instead of three Mexican teams and one USL representative.
This USL-MLS discussion is far from over, friends. And the USL is not a crackpot second-rate league either.
USL dominance
Who are these guys?
Did a USL side reach the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League? The same tournament that saw 1, 2, 3, 4.... 5 MLS teams flame out in their own spectacular way?
I don't get it, really. There are former MLS players on the team, which is led by a former MLS coach, all supposedly banished to the USL, all of a shot at reaching the Club World Cup.
Did a USL side reach the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League? The same tournament that saw 1, 2, 3, 4.... 5 MLS teams flame out in their own spectacular way?
I don't get it, really. There are former MLS players on the team, which is led by a former MLS coach, all supposedly banished to the USL, all of a shot at reaching the Club World Cup.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Down and out
Nice to see Houston defend their colors and MLS, for 20 minutes anyway.
Atlante 3, Houston 0. Atlante wins CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series by a 4-1 aggregate and are through to the semifinals.
I wonder... I think I included the stat in a recent column, probably the SI.com one from Friday. I think it's now an aggregate score of 44-10 that Mexican teams have over their MLS counterparts in the CCC/CCL since 2002, in games played in Mexico.
Over the years, we've heard about how MLS teams could and should be included in Copa Libertadores, which I've always felt was laughable. Now, not only do I not think MLS should have any part of Copa Libertadores, or Sudamericana for that matter, but I wonder whether they should be in the CONCACAF Champions League. Okay, that's a stretch, but four teams? Really? Based on what, exactly?
If you factor in previous results, MLS should have one team in the tournament proper and another team in the play-in round and that's it.
Atlante are through to the semifinals now. On the weekend, they can go back to stinking up the joint in league.
Atlante 3, Houston 0. Atlante wins CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series by a 4-1 aggregate and are through to the semifinals.
I wonder... I think I included the stat in a recent column, probably the SI.com one from Friday. I think it's now an aggregate score of 44-10 that Mexican teams have over their MLS counterparts in the CCC/CCL since 2002, in games played in Mexico.
Over the years, we've heard about how MLS teams could and should be included in Copa Libertadores, which I've always felt was laughable. Now, not only do I not think MLS should have any part of Copa Libertadores, or Sudamericana for that matter, but I wonder whether they should be in the CONCACAF Champions League. Okay, that's a stretch, but four teams? Really? Based on what, exactly?
If you factor in previous results, MLS should have one team in the tournament proper and another team in the play-in round and that's it.
Atlante are through to the semifinals now. On the weekend, they can go back to stinking up the joint in league.
Where's the love?
The CONCACAF Champions League picks up again today as Atlante host Houston for a spot in the semifinals.
I wrote this column for SI.com on Friday to sort of wrap up the week and look ahead to this week's games.
Now, in the column I partly wrote about what I've felt all along, that Mexican teams have long held an advantage and they'll take care of business at home. Until I see otherwise, I don't think teams can go into Mexico and expect a win.
Of course, some people took exception to my column, and they let me know about it:
* "You are an idiot. MLS is still in pre-season, as opposed to the Mexican leagues. But of course you won't admit that in your article because it would be factually accurate. The Mexican league, just like the national team, aren't that good."
* "That means what in terms of global futbol? Nothing. This is a terrible column that only serves to heighten Mexican nationalism. All you ever write is about Mexico, Mexico Mexico. They are a second rate team at best and the league is a third rate league. Please stop the madness!"
* "With all due respect (none), anything you write that has "class" and "Mexican soccer" in the same sentence is completely unbelievable. Those two phrases should never be together given the complete lack of sportsmanship displayed in recent USA/Mexico games as well as the earlier played group games in the CONCACAF Champ. Cup. Combine the spotty referreeing, altitude and vast differences in the team salary budgets between the two leagues and its very understandable how the Mexico played games are a bit skewed."
Ahem.
Okay, I'm an idiot. Yes, that's an original comment. But two things jump out at me and I can't figure out why people can't differentiate between them.
First, I get that a lot, the "you only write about Mexican soccer" line. Yeah, nimrod, because I am paid to write about Mexican soccer. Occasionally I write about MLS or something but my beat for SI.com is the Mexican soccer beat. That's like going to a butcher shop and complaining that all they sell is meat.
Secondly, I want to post this somewhere with lights glaring: LEAGUE AND NATIONAL TEAM ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. Any arguments you use for or against the Mexican national team hold little or no relevance when it comes to league, and vice versa. So what if the Mexican national team is playing like shit? That doesn't mean the league's teams are. Mexico is struggling against regional competition, but the league's teams are not. It's still the best league in the region and its teams are still strong. I'm not saying that Mexico is La Liga or anything but it's still the... wait for it... ahem... cough... CLASS of the region. That much I stand by.
Now, I don't have a rooting interest in tonight's Atlante-Houston game, but I think that Houston will get their asses handed to them. It might not be a 4-0 blowout but I don't think Houston will get out of their with anything but a lopsided loss, even if it's not reflected by the score. And I also think Santos will turn around their own series and come away with a victory over Montreal on Thursday.
The cream will rise to the top, and until I'm proven otherwise that's what I feel. If that makes me an idiot, so be it.
I wrote this column for SI.com on Friday to sort of wrap up the week and look ahead to this week's games.
Now, in the column I partly wrote about what I've felt all along, that Mexican teams have long held an advantage and they'll take care of business at home. Until I see otherwise, I don't think teams can go into Mexico and expect a win.
Of course, some people took exception to my column, and they let me know about it:
* "You are an idiot. MLS is still in pre-season, as opposed to the Mexican leagues. But of course you won't admit that in your article because it would be factually accurate. The Mexican league, just like the national team, aren't that good."
* "That means what in terms of global futbol? Nothing. This is a terrible column that only serves to heighten Mexican nationalism. All you ever write is about Mexico, Mexico Mexico. They are a second rate team at best and the league is a third rate league. Please stop the madness!"
* "With all due respect (none), anything you write that has "class" and "Mexican soccer" in the same sentence is completely unbelievable. Those two phrases should never be together given the complete lack of sportsmanship displayed in recent USA/Mexico games as well as the earlier played group games in the CONCACAF Champ. Cup. Combine the spotty referreeing, altitude and vast differences in the team salary budgets between the two leagues and its very understandable how the Mexico played games are a bit skewed."
Ahem.
Okay, I'm an idiot. Yes, that's an original comment. But two things jump out at me and I can't figure out why people can't differentiate between them.
First, I get that a lot, the "you only write about Mexican soccer" line. Yeah, nimrod, because I am paid to write about Mexican soccer. Occasionally I write about MLS or something but my beat for SI.com is the Mexican soccer beat. That's like going to a butcher shop and complaining that all they sell is meat.
Secondly, I want to post this somewhere with lights glaring: LEAGUE AND NATIONAL TEAM ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. Any arguments you use for or against the Mexican national team hold little or no relevance when it comes to league, and vice versa. So what if the Mexican national team is playing like shit? That doesn't mean the league's teams are. Mexico is struggling against regional competition, but the league's teams are not. It's still the best league in the region and its teams are still strong. I'm not saying that Mexico is La Liga or anything but it's still the... wait for it... ahem... cough... CLASS of the region. That much I stand by.
Now, I don't have a rooting interest in tonight's Atlante-Houston game, but I think that Houston will get their asses handed to them. It might not be a 4-0 blowout but I don't think Houston will get out of their with anything but a lopsided loss, even if it's not reflected by the score. And I also think Santos will turn around their own series and come away with a victory over Montreal on Thursday.
The cream will rise to the top, and until I'm proven otherwise that's what I feel. If that makes me an idiot, so be it.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Impactful win
Montreal upset Santos 2-0... but was it really an upset? During the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, Santos lost by two goals at Puerto Rico and at Tauro FC as well. Anyway, you'll have to wait for my Friday SI.com column as I'll be writing about the CCL.
Here are match highlights from the game:
Here are match highlights from the game:
Azul downs Pumas
Cruz Azul beat Pumas 1-0 in a bit of a dull game. Cruz Azul defended a lot after nabbing their goal. Pumas had their chances though and could have made it 1-1.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Four in action
Four Mexican teams will be in action on Wednesday and none of the results will count towards league play.
Chivas will play Everton in Copa Libertadores play in Mexico. Meanwhile Santos visits Montreal and Cruz Azul hosts Pumas in CONCACAF Champions League play.
In terms of results, Chivas' poor form could carry over into cup. Chivas need a victory over Everton as they need to maximize their home points. Chivas can ill afford to get a point and put themselves in position to get a road win or two just to advance. If they win, everything's fine in Copa. A draw or loss, and maybe the grumblings over Efrain Flores' job grow louder.
Meanwhile, Santos seems to be taking their Champions League effort seriously - at least that's what coach Daniel Guzman said.
This is in contrast to Pumas and Cruz Azul. However, Cruz Azul have six players out and suspended and will be forced to use backups.
Pumas, meanwhile, is fielding young players. They won't even bother to try and hide the fact that they are using only young players.. but given their horrendous league form, that may be a good thing.
Chivas will play Everton in Copa Libertadores play in Mexico. Meanwhile Santos visits Montreal and Cruz Azul hosts Pumas in CONCACAF Champions League play.
In terms of results, Chivas' poor form could carry over into cup. Chivas need a victory over Everton as they need to maximize their home points. Chivas can ill afford to get a point and put themselves in position to get a road win or two just to advance. If they win, everything's fine in Copa. A draw or loss, and maybe the grumblings over Efrain Flores' job grow louder.
Meanwhile, Santos seems to be taking their Champions League effort seriously - at least that's what coach Daniel Guzman said.
This is in contrast to Pumas and Cruz Azul. However, Cruz Azul have six players out and suspended and will be forced to use backups.
Pumas, meanwhile, is fielding young players. They won't even bother to try and hide the fact that they are using only young players.. but given their horrendous league form, that may be a good thing.
Houston-Atlante highlights
The teams traded corner kick goals and tied 1-1 on Tuesday. The task is now monumental for Houston as they must win outright or tie 2-2 or higher in Cancun next week. They're trying to adjust to life without Dwayne De Rosario, which only makes things more difficult. Atlante could easily sit back and walk out with a 0-0 draw. Their defense is not terrible, so such a scenario is not out of the question.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Houston welcome Atlante
Houston and Atlante will renew hostilities tonight as the two teams will play in a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series. The first leg is in Houston and the next leg is scheduled for March 3 in Cancun.
The series will feature a different tiebreaker than the CONCACAF Champions Cup we became accustomed to. This time, away goals will serve as a tiebreaker. With the onus on the road team to score and the hosts to try and maintain a zero, these knockout games might have a bit more intensity.
It also means that Atlante could put a damper on Houston's spirits with one goal, even if the MLS side wins. Houston tied Pumas in Mexico City a year ago, but no MLS team has ever beaten a Mexican team on Mexican soil during a CONCACAF match. Of course, should Houston win tonight and draw next week, that would be enough to see them through no matter now many goals Atlante scores.
Atlante will bring a squad that has played more poorly than not in league this season. With a 1-4-2 record, Atlante are among the bottom of the pack and need to improve quickly to have a chance at the playoffs. Still, Luis Gabriel Rey is a formidable player. Atlante doesn't have the most anemic attack in Mexico but they've scored just eight goals in seven games.
Here are some stories on the game:
Houston Chronicle previews the game
A breakdown by Goal.com
USA Today looks at the tournament
The series will feature a different tiebreaker than the CONCACAF Champions Cup we became accustomed to. This time, away goals will serve as a tiebreaker. With the onus on the road team to score and the hosts to try and maintain a zero, these knockout games might have a bit more intensity.
It also means that Atlante could put a damper on Houston's spirits with one goal, even if the MLS side wins. Houston tied Pumas in Mexico City a year ago, but no MLS team has ever beaten a Mexican team on Mexican soil during a CONCACAF match. Of course, should Houston win tonight and draw next week, that would be enough to see them through no matter now many goals Atlante scores.
Atlante will bring a squad that has played more poorly than not in league this season. With a 1-4-2 record, Atlante are among the bottom of the pack and need to improve quickly to have a chance at the playoffs. Still, Luis Gabriel Rey is a formidable player. Atlante doesn't have the most anemic attack in Mexico but they've scored just eight goals in seven games.
Here are some stories on the game:
Houston Chronicle previews the game
A breakdown by Goal.com
USA Today looks at the tournament
Monday, February 23, 2009
After a long slumber
I swear, somewhere along the line I almost forgot about this. The CONCACAF Champions League returns in full swing this week. Houston will carry Major League Soccer's flag as the Dynamo will play Atlante on Tuesday.
Other quarterfinal series: Cruz Azul-Pumas; Montreal-Santos Laguna; Marathon-Puerto Rico.
There's a chance we could see three Mexican teams in the semifinals... or one. I'd give the edge to a Mexican team in the Cruz Azul-Pumas series for sure. That's my super lock of the year.
Not sure about Atlante. They are in bad form. Still, they are in midseason form however bad that may be, while Houston is in preseason form, and I think that's the excuse MLS teams always fall back on, you know, the whole "we can't win for crap because we're in preseason form."
If I'm a betting man, I'd actually take Houston. Atlante can't score and can't win, at least not recently and I think Houston has had this on their mind for a while. They've had this to prepare for and I think Dominic Kinnear will have his team prepared.
Santos is slowly coming out of their own wretched start to the Clausura and all I know about Montreal is that it is about a six-hour flight from LA. Santos is a tough place to visit so I'd give them the edge on that alone, even if Montreal were at their peak and since the USL season hasn't started, I'm guessing they're not.
If nothing else, it's more soccer and more regional soccer so I'll be watching.
Other quarterfinal series: Cruz Azul-Pumas; Montreal-Santos Laguna; Marathon-Puerto Rico.
There's a chance we could see three Mexican teams in the semifinals... or one. I'd give the edge to a Mexican team in the Cruz Azul-Pumas series for sure. That's my super lock of the year.
Not sure about Atlante. They are in bad form. Still, they are in midseason form however bad that may be, while Houston is in preseason form, and I think that's the excuse MLS teams always fall back on, you know, the whole "we can't win for crap because we're in preseason form."
If I'm a betting man, I'd actually take Houston. Atlante can't score and can't win, at least not recently and I think Houston has had this on their mind for a while. They've had this to prepare for and I think Dominic Kinnear will have his team prepared.
Santos is slowly coming out of their own wretched start to the Clausura and all I know about Montreal is that it is about a six-hour flight from LA. Santos is a tough place to visit so I'd give them the edge on that alone, even if Montreal were at their peak and since the USL season hasn't started, I'm guessing they're not.
If nothing else, it's more soccer and more regional soccer so I'll be watching.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Houston goes through
Houston came up way short of domestic glory but international success is not out of reach.
Houston beat Luis Angel Firpo 1-0 on Wednesday and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. The match had been rescheduled due to Hurricane Ike.
Houston was the heavy favorite to come out of the West and reach MLS Cup but fell to New York 3-0 at home and a third consecutive title went by the wayside. But Houston still made history this year as they became the first MLS club to reach the knockout rounds of this new-look tournament.
In an interesting side note, Nate Jaqua started and played 68 minutes for his now-old club. Jaqua was selected earlier in the day by Seattle in the expansion draft.
Highlights, in case you missed them:
Houston beat Luis Angel Firpo 1-0 on Wednesday and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. The match had been rescheduled due to Hurricane Ike.
Houston was the heavy favorite to come out of the West and reach MLS Cup but fell to New York 3-0 at home and a third consecutive title went by the wayside. But Houston still made history this year as they became the first MLS club to reach the knockout rounds of this new-look tournament.
In an interesting side note, Nate Jaqua started and played 68 minutes for his now-old club. Jaqua was selected earlier in the day by Seattle in the expansion draft.
Highlights, in case you missed them:
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