MLS teams head back into CONCACF Champions League play tonight and tomorrow with three return leg matches. Both Seattle and Toronto take one goal leads into their away games and have reasonable shots at advancement. Meanwhile, LA is in Puerto Rico looking to salvage a bit of pride after their thumping at the hands of the Islanders last week. Dan Barkley is here to give us his thoughts on the three games.
by Dan Barkley
Motagua v. Toronto FC
Time: Tuesday, August 3, 8pm EST.
Location: Estadio Nacional, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Media: FSC/GolTV
First round: Toronto 1-0
Toronto holds a tenuous advantage heading into the second leg. They looked the better team, but they certainly did not dominate the first game, as Motagua generated some good scoring chances near the end. Motagua drew very big crowds in their last CCL appearance, with 35,000 sellouts in both their qualifying championship game with Saprissa and their first round game against Pachuca. It is hard to say if Toronto will draw that big of a crowd, but the atmosphere should be impressive either way. This will likely spell more trouble for Toronto, a team that is in a bad stretch and does not play well on the road, picking up only one win and four points from eight away matches this season in MLS. Also, with their grip on a playoff spot looking weaker than last week, what squad will Preki play? The good news is with their first leg victory, one goal should get them advanced, as good as their defense has been after the disastrous start to the season.
Metapan v. Sounders
Time: Tuesday, August 3, 10pm EST.
Location: Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador, El Salvador
Media: FSC
First Round: Seattle 1-0
I was impressed with the Sounders first round performance, they outclassed Metapan and should have come out with a big victory, but only came away with Montero's Jabulani goal. They did out shoot Metapan 15-2 and dominate possession, with Metapan playing a very, very physical game. Everything in this match seems to play in Seattle's favor, they have been in great form recently as well as playing well in cup competitions recently, the home field advantage will not be a prevalent as it may seem. Metapan's home stadium was deemed too small, so they are playing a couple hours away in the capital, where they do not seem to have a large fan base. No game in Central America should be taken lightly, but Seattle looks to be a great position to advance.
Puerto Rico Islanders v. Galaxy
Time: Wednesday, August 4, 8pm EST.
Location: Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Media: FSC
First Round: Islanders 4-1
Jason already wrote up something on the first round debacle, so I'll leave it at a haiku;
To advance, you need four,
dear Galaxy; but at least
save face with a win
