The CONCACAF Champions League is drawing to a close. All the teams in the competition have played five of their six Champions League fixtures. As the final matches approach all of the groups are competitive, and there should be some dramatic finished come October in CONCACAF's Premier Club Competition. As it stands now three of the four American sides have a good shot at advancing to the knock-out stage of the tournament. However whether of not the American clubs improve on last year's effort will come to down to the final matches they, and the results of the other games in their respective groups. Here is how the four American sides are fairing in the second edition of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Houston Dynamo (2-2-1) 7 points, 3rd in Group A: Houston hosted group leaders Pachuca in a pivotal match that could of helped Houston's shot at claiming a top two spot. The Dynamo out shot the Mexican club 13-7, but Pachuca Keeper Miguel Calero made six saves to keep the Dynamo off the score sheet. Pachuca's Edgard Benitiez Santandar scored the match's only goal in the the 22nd minute. The 1-0 home loss for the Dynamo was a tough pill to swallow at Robertson Stadium, as Houston had a chance to jump into the lead for the group. Now the men in orange sit in third position. The Dynamo's last group match is at group bottom dweller Isidro Metapan, who is 0-5 in the competition. The Dynamo need to win the match to get to 10 points, then hope that Pachuca defeat Arabe Unido at home. However, Pachuca is already clinched advancement in the tournament, and might not be motivated to go for the win. Even if Pachuca wins, the Dynamo still needs to make up four markers in the goal differential category. Houston should beat Metapan, and the more goals they win by the better. But advancement will rest solely on the hopes that Pachuca defeat Arabe Unido, advancement for the Dynamo will be a real nail-biter.
DC United (3-2) 9 points, 2nd in Group B: Last year's dismal performance in the tournament is a distant memory. United now sit in second in their group after a 5-1 thrashing of San Juan Jabloteh. Christian Gomez started the night off in the 13th minute, then the Screaming Eagles put two more in the net before the half. Gomez added another in the 68th to make it 4-0 for the home side. Jarrel Britto struck in the 83rd minute for Trinidad Champions, however Boyzz Khumalo ended the night with another DC goal to cap off the 5-1. After the result it looked like the United would be in control of their own destiny, and might only need to tie to advance. Then Marathon upset group leader Toluca, to make the group scenario interesting coming into the final matches of group play. DC travels to group leaders Toluca, who they trail by three points, while Marthon who trails DC by goal differential travels to Jabloteh, who have yet to win a game. It may come down to DC having get 3 points at Toluca, who in all probability will advance thanks to goal differential. However if United can not get a win they will be rooting for Jaboteh get a win or draw against Marathon, a team who has yet to score on the road.
Columbus Crew (2-2-1) 7 points, 2nd in Group C: The Crew had a golden opportunity to secure advancment last Tuesday. After Robbie Rogers scored in the 26th off a PK, Columbus looked to score a 1-0 home win against their closest competition Saprissa. Then a last minute goal by Alexander Robinson gave the Costa Rican club a 1-1 draw on the road, and kept the club's hopes alive. Columbus still holds a 2 point edge over Saprissa. The Crew can guarantee a spot in the top two with a win at Puerto Rico, however the Islanders have played tough at home, securing two draws. If the Crew can only manage a point, they can still advance as long as Saprissa does not win when they host group leaders Cruz Azul. What might be comforting for the Crew is the fact that Cruz Azul has not lost yet in the tournament. however with Cruz Azul already winning the group, who knows how hard they will try to secure a result. Still, the Crew are odds on favorites to advance, and a win at last place Puerto Rico can guarantee them a spot in the quarterfinals.
Puerto Rico Islanders (0-3-2) 2 points, 4th in Group C: Talk about playing for pride. The Islanders started off the tournament going 0-2, and that was the end of their hopes. However, the Islanders pulled off two draws at home and are proving to be a thorn in the side of the group contenders. Goals by Mario Virginio Ortiz in the 5th minute, and Emanuel Villa in the 51st were the difference as Cruz Azul beat the Islanders. The Islanders are now playing to keep their undefeated home record in the Champions League as they host the Crew, who will be playing hard for three points. Either, way it will not be the repeat performance for the Islanders who made it to the semifinals last year.
The final matches of the CONCACAF Champions League will prove to bring some excitement. The three MLS teams in the tournament all have a shot at advancement, with the Crew and United in control of their own destines, and could still advance with losses if results go their way. The Dynamo need some help with a big win, and hope that Arabe Unido lose to Pachuca so they can advance. Hopefully the American clubs can improve on last year's dismal run, and show the continent that American Club Soccer can compete.
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