Three Major League Soccer sides managed to qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, looking to move one step closer to achieve their ultimate goal of lifting the coveted trophy.
When the current edition of the highest club competition in North America kicked off, eight MLS teams began their journey in round one. While Inter Miami and Columbus Crew both earned round one byes, the likes of Orlando City, Houston Dynamo, Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati toppled their first round opponents before crashing out in the round of 16.
However, Miami, Columbus and New England Revolution toppled their opponents — with some games coming down to the wire — to reach the quarterfinals. Players like Cucho Hernandez, Carles Gil and Lionel Messi will be eager to show their quality to propel their respective teams to victory and ultimately a place in the semifinals.
Here’s the three remaining MLS teams in the 2024 Champions Cup.
By winning the 2023 edition of Leagues Cup, Miami earned a round one bye and kickstarted their first-ever Champions Cup journey against Nashville in the round of 16.
The first leg saw the Herons claim a late draw thanks to a last-gasp striker from the legendary Luis Suarez, while the team took care of business at home in the second leg 3-1 to seal passage to the quarterfinals with a 5-3 aggregate score.
Should Messi return to the mix soon, Miami just might favor their chances against Liga MX giants Monterrey in the semifinals.
Reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew squeaked past Houston Dynamo in the round of 16 after two close contests with the Western Conference side.
A 1-1 draw in the second leg at Lower.com Field was enough for Wilfried Nancy’s side to progress to the next phase of the tournament thanks to a 96th minute from Alexandru Matan in the first leg.
The 2-1 aggregate score in favor of Columbus set them up with a quarterfinal clash with Mexican outfit Tigres, and it’ll more than likely be
Despite the Revs’ poor form in league play, they’ve been outstanding in Champions Cup action by scoring eight goals and conceding just once in four games played.
Caleb Porter’s side cruised past Independiente de La Chorrera in round one by a 4-0 aggregate score before thrashing LD Alajuelense 5-1 after the final whistle in the second leg.
The back-to-back dominant showings set up a quarterfinal date with seven-time Champions Cup winners Club America. It’ll be an uphill battle for New England, but with players like Carles Gil and Tomas Chancalay in the side, they just might give the Eagles a run for their money.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
90 Mins
