April 26th, 2023
In a repeat of last years MLS Cup Final, the Philadelphia Union and LAFC battle it out for a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League final. The US Open Cup begins it's third round as MLS sides enter the competition.
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CONCACAF Champions League - Philadelphia Union vs LAFC
CONCACAF Champions League - Philadelphia Union vs LAFC
This is potentially the match of the year. The CCL might not get the recognition that a competition such as the UEFA Champions League gets but it's an incredible tournament full of talent. Did I mention that the winner goes to the FIFA Club World Cup? The other side of the bracket features Tigres UANL vs Club León in an all Liga MX match up. It's setting up to be the perfect continental final. Best on best from the two largest leagues in the region.
LAFC might have the most talented end to end roster in COCACAF. They are currently undefeated in MLS and only look more dangerous every week. There biggest advantage in a competition like this is their depth. They have a second XI that could probably make playoffs in MLS. This gives them the flexibility to mix up their line-up and rest players. We saw an example of this on Saturday as Kellyn Acosta, Carlos Vela, and Kwadwo Opoku all started the game on the bench. LAFC also have Denis Bouanga. If LAFC are the most inform team in the region, Bouanga is the most in form player. He leads the competition with 5 goals and sits second in MLS with 7. If Philadelphia want a chance to win, they have to shut down Denis Bouanga.
Philadelphia have a very good starting XI as well. What they lack is a little depth. The Union played Toronto on Saturday and proved they we're still a force in MLS but the difference here is that they started their top XI. They didn't rest anyone. I have a feeling they are going to have a similar lineup against LAFC and we'll have to see if fitness will play a factor. Both games are home matches so travel isn't an issue and most teams are playing midweek matches this time of year, but every little advantage might be the difference. Philadelphia might not have the depth but they do have Mikael Uhre. Uhre scored three goals against Toronto and might be one of the only players in the league who can match Bouanga's recent form. A CCL run could be what the Union need to get back on track.
Subaru Park is going to be rocking, stars will be out, everything will be put on the line to earn a play in the CCL final. My prediction is LAFC take the first leg by a score of 1-0 as both teams play tight defensively.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
We are into the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, which means MLS clubs start to enter the mix, setting things up for the classic Cupset. Tuesday night featured six MLS sides and most took care of business...most.
Monterey Bay FC vs San Jose Earthquakes (1-0) - Monterey Bay FC of Seaside, California are the latest of underdogs to punch above their weight class in a cup competition taking down the San Jose Earthquakes. To be fair, San Jose played a fairly rotated squad but Cade Cowell started. Cristian Espinoza came on at the start oft the second half. Jeremy Ebobisse came on in the 58th minute. They still couldn't score. This was the Union's (Monterey Bay) first ever win against an MLS opponent, first U.S. Cup Open home match, first U.S. Open goal at home, and first clean sheet of the campaign. On to the round of 32 for the Union!
New England Revolution vs Hartford Athletic (2-1) - The Rev's took the first game of their U.S. Open Cup run against USL Championship side Hartford Athletic. Hartford even the match up in the 52nd minute only to see Carles Gil and Co. come on and set up Dave Romney for the winner. Good effort from Harford, on to the next for the Rev's.
Charlotte FC vs South Georgia Tormenta FC (4-1) - Charlotte host 3rd division side Tormenta and handed things they way they should. All the big guns scored for Charlotte. Good win.
Detroit City vs Minnesota United (1-3) - This was POTENTIALLY going to be an upset as Detroit went ahead 1-0 in the first half. But then Minnesota came out and scored 3 in six minutes. The Loons survive the scare.
St. Louis City SC vs Union Omaha (5-1) - Union Omaha we're one of the darlings of the tournament last season as they made it to the quarter-finals. But they didn't have to go into a rocking CITYPARK. St. Louis's hot start continues in the Cup.
Sporting KC vs Tulsa Athletic (3-0) - Sporting are looking for some success in this competition as their MLS season is not going well. Round of 32 is a good start.
A look ahead to tonight's games featuring MLS clubs:
(A side note - my favorite team names are Chicago House, Richmond Kickers, and the North Colorado Hailstorm)
FC Cincinnati vs Louisville City
DC United vs Richmond Kickers
Columbus Crew vs Indy Eleven
Atlanta United vs Memphis 901
Miami FC vs Inter Miami
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Houston Dynamo
Chicago Fire vs Chicago House
Nashville SC vs San Antonio
Colorado Rapids vs North Colorado Hailstorm
Seattle Sounders vs San Diego Loyal SC
Las Vegas Lights vs Real Salt Lake
Portland Timbers vs Orange County
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