What Happened
The Concacaf Champions Cup continues this week as the Philadelphia Union prepare to host Defence Force at Subaru Park for the second leg of their round one series. In the first leg, the Union secured a commanding 5-0 victory, with goals from Milan Iloski, Ezekiel Alladoh, Olwethu Makhanya, and Bruno Damiani. This significant win gives the Union a strong advantage heading into the second leg.
Meanwhile, Atlético Ottawa was eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 5-0 defeat against Nashville SC. This loss followed a previous 2-0 defeat in the opening match, resulting in a 7-0 aggregate score against the Major League Soccer side.
Why It Matters
For the Philadelphia Union, advancing in the Concacaf Champions Cup is crucial as it would lead them to the Round of 16, where they would face Liga MX’s Club America. This matchup is significant as it represents a chance for the Union to compete against top-tier Mexican competition. On the other hand, Atlético Ottawa’s elimination highlights the challenges faced by Canadian teams in the tournament, particularly as they seek to establish themselves in the competitive landscape of North American soccer.
What’s Next
The Philadelphia Union will look to secure their advancement on Thursday night, while Nashville SC will prepare to face Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, in the next round. The Vancouver Whitecaps remain the last Canadian team in the tournament, with their opening round match scheduled for Wednesday.
