Previous CONCACAF Champions League Coverage

The LA Galaxy didn’t need a win last night in Mexico but they needed to play well. Going down 3-0 inside of the first 25 minutes doesn’t qualify. A brutal start to the game that saw mistakes all around dug a hole too deep for the Galaxy to find their way out of and their hopes of advancing in the CONCACAF Champions League came to an end. They did manage to score a goal to start the second half to get within a goal of advancing but a Tijuana goal with eight minutes left proved to be decisive. The Galaxy did fight back for one more but never could get the tie back on level terms and ending up falling 4-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.

Tonight our attention turns to the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting KC. The Earthquakes are taking on Toluca and are heavy underdogs to advance in Mexico. Toluca was 4-0 in the group stage and sit second in Liga MX so far this spring. The Earthquakes have a lot of work to do after only drawing 1-1 at home. They have to score in Mexico tonight to have any chance and can’t afford to lose. With a win seeming hard to fathom the path for the Earthquakes is likely a scoring draw that leads to penalties (1-1 tie) or perhaps scoring twice and winning in regulation in a draw. It will take a herculean effort tonight in Mexico but perhaps the Earthquakes are the ones to do it.

Sporting KC has a much easier path against Cruz Azul, but the opponent may be even harder. Cruz Azul was also 4-0 in the group stage and they lead Liga MX right now. Still Sporting knows they can get a result as they did in Kansas City last week, though Mexico is another story. A draw would be enough for Sporting KC and they could even advance on a one-goal loss if they score.

The Galaxy showed several things last night in their loss at Tijuana. They showed how important it is to come out of the gate strong and not give up early goals. Sporting KC has the advantage heading into this game so they can play from the lead as long as they keep the clean sheet. Secondly we saw how big an away goal is. The Galaxy were AWFUL in the first half but their goal to start the second half instantly transformed the game and they were one bounce going the right way from advancing. If Sporting KC can score tonight Cruz Azul will need three to move on and that might be asking a lot.

Both games are on Fox Sports 2 (FS2) back-to-back so it should be an exciting night of USA vs. Mexico soccer.

My predictions: San Jose 0-2 Toluca … Sporting KC 1-2 Cruz Azul

Schedule:

• March 19th
  • 8 PM ET – San Jose Earthquakes @ Toluca (Mexico) – Fox Sports 2
  • 10 PM ET – Sporting KC @ Cruz Azul (Mexico) – Fox Sports 2