The group stages of the CONCACAF Champions League is entering the final stages. After 4 rounds of play only one side, Toluca, have mathematically guaranteed themselves a spot in the knock-out round. Several other clubs have put themselves in a spot that anything but a near catastrophe will bar them from reaching the knock-out rounds. According to a poll on ESPN.com, 84% of ESPN Soccernet viewers believe a MLS side will eventually win the CCL. Such optimism can only help the State-side teams as they compete in the continents club championship. Here is a look at the current position of the 4 American teams (As far as I'm concerned Peurto Rico is America, so they make the article). As the American teams look to improve on last year's dismal results on the tournament
Houston Dynamo (2-1-1) 7 pts. 2nd in Group A: Pachuca currently leads the group but the Dynamo leaped into second place following a 5-1 thrashing of Arabe Unido. Eddie Robinson put the Dynamo on the board in the 11th minute. That score stood alone till a 50th minute goal by William Weaver put the Dynamo up 2-0. Arabe Unido pulled one back in the 69th, but then the scoring rally was on. Corey Ashe struck a minute latter to put the lead back up to two. Stuart Holden's 74th and 90th minute goals secured the 5-1 win for Dynamo. Houston is now even with Arabe Unido with 7 points in second spot, but Houston is up on Goal Differential by 3 goals. Houston has an advantage on Arabe Unido since Houston plays group leaders Pachuca at home, while Unido has to travel to Mexico. Right now, Houston controls it's destiny in the Group Stage.
DC United (2-2) 6 pts. 2nd in Group B: Luciano Emilio and Jamie Moreno combined for 3 second half goals to secure a 3-0 win against Marathon at RFK Stadium. Emilo started the second half with a goal in the 46th minute, captain Jaime Moreno 54th scored for United to make it 2-0. Emilio struck again in the 71st to win 3-0. This was a huge win for United, as it will come down to United and Marathon for who will finish in second place. United is in second due to their advantage in goal differential. However, the Screaming Eagles have to travel to group leaders Toluca, while Marathon gets to host the Mexican powerhouse. It may come down to which side can make sure they collect 3 points against lowly San Juan Jabloteh. Either way it will be a tight battle between United and the Honduran Giants.
Columbus Crew (2-2) 6 pts. 2nd in Group C: Coming into the home match against group leader and Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul the Columbus Crew were holding a 24 home match winning streak. That came to an end in large part to two goals in the first half for a 2-0 Cruz Azul win. This was a big disappointment for the Crew, who were looking for payback after being thrashed in Mexico City by Cruz Azul 5-0. Luckily for America's Hardest Working Team, their main competition for advancing, Saprissa, could only manage a draw at Puerto Rico. This leaves the Crew with a 2 point advantage over Saprissa. Next Tuesday's match is pivotal for the Crew, Columbus host Saprissa and beating them could guarantee them a spot in the knock-out stages. If not then Columbus has to travel to Puerto Rico, while Saprissa gets to host the group winner Cruz Azul. For the Yellow and Black it is simple: Win and you're In.
Puerto Rico Islanders (0-2-2) 2 pts. Puerto Rico NEEDS to win at Cruz Azul, and then win at home against Columbus. The first will NEVER happen in this lifetime, and if Columbus needs points of any kind the Crew are sure to throw all except the kitchen sink into that match. So in basic terms, it's over for the Islanders. Last year's run in the tournament was something remarkable, pretty much being the best representative for the nation. This is not the Islander's year however. Still, Puerto Rico is making an impact on the tournament. After last weeks impressive tie with Cruz Azul, the Islanders again pull out a draw this time with Saspirissa. This proves to be a real thorn in Saprissa's side, since they had a perfect chance to gain ground on the Crew. Josh Hanen scored in the 71st to give Puerto Rico the lead, and the boys of the Island almost pulled of the biggest upset in the tournament. Then a stoppage time goal by Kendall Watson salvaged a point, and the tournament hopes for Saprissa. Islanders are now playing for pride, and should really focus their attention on the USL play-offs. Good run last year Puerto Rico-I still like you more than some of our REAL states.
The final next two matches of the group play should produce some drama in North and Central America's Premier Club Cup Competition. The three MLS teams are all in fair positions to advance to the knock-out stages, as they all control their own destinies. It should be fun to see if the American teams can avenge the league's poor performance from last year. And seriously, I would take Puerto Rico as a state any day of the week.
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