The upsets have been hard to find in the CONCACAF Champions League, as Major League Soccer and Liga MX sides have pretty much had their way with the competition.
The wins weren’t easy, but perhaps are a harbinger of what’s to come as the North American leagues grow in might and money. CCL vets Herediano (Costa Rica) are the only side outside of U.S. and Mexico to lead a group early in the competition.
After Alan Gordon and Robbie Keane braces paced the L.A. Galaxy to a 5-0 thumping of Guatemalan side Comunicaciones at the Stubhub Center on Tuesday, a pair of MLS sides picked up wins a day later.
[ UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Tuesday wrap |Wednesday ]
It wasn’t easy for Seattle against Honduran side Club Olimpia, as the visitors used an Alberth Ellis header to build an early lead. Olimpia goalkeeper Noel Vallardes made a name for himself in Seattle, but a wild finish put the result in the home team’s win column.
First, Erik Friberg was Johnny-on-the-spot at the back post to net an open header in the 90th minute, and four minutes of stoppage time helped Dylan Remick draw a penalty that Brad Evans converted for the Sounders’ 2-1 win.
DC United needed some fine goalkeeping from Andrew Dykstra and a nifty, backheel-inspired goal from Miguel Aguilar to get a 1-0 win. Michael Farfan set Aguilar up for his first goal with quite the pass.
Elsewhere, Michael Arroyo scored as USMNT back Ventura Alvarado went 90 minutes as Club America got a scare from Nicaragua’s Walter Ferreti before winning 1-0.
Thursday
Saprissa vs. Westside Connection
Santa Tecla vs. Municipal
