It’s not official but Major League Soccer will send four teams to the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time in history. This feat has been in the making for a while as MLS has sent three teams in each of the last three tournaments, and it’s definitely a good sign that MLS is making progress against the rest of the world.
Only two of the games yet to be played matter from a survival standpoint. However, the seeding of the teams in the quarterfinals is still in play for all of the groups. America will host Comunicaciones for a winner take all match in late October. And defending champion Cruz Azul must travel to Alajuelense and win to survive group 6.
Group 1 –
Mexico’s Pachuca simply dominated Group 1 and has scored the second most goals in the tournament so far. They have to be considered one of the favorites in the next round as they dominated two solid opponents in Real Espana and Municipal.
Predicted Winner: Real Espana
Winner: Pachuca
Group 2 –
As long as Sporting KC doesn’t lose to Saprissa by 4 goals they will advance to the next round. I don’t even want to think about that happening.
Predicted Winner: Sporting KC
Most Likely Winner: Sporting KC
Group 3 –
The Red Bulls needed a win at hapless FAS to stay alive and they opted to play their reserves and didn’t get it done. Sene missed a penalty kick which would have seen them through to a do or die matchup against the Montreal Impact, but now that game will just be an exhibition for reserves.
Predicted Winner: New York Red Bulls
Winner: Montreal Impact
Group 4 –
D.C. United scored a couple of 2nd half goals to beat Panama’s Tauro and advance from Group 4. The Eddie Johnson score was the goal of the matchday, but not so much for the sweet left footed finish but for the amazing assist from David Estrada that set it up. Check it out:
Predicted Winner: D.C. United
Winner: D.C. United
Group 5 –
Portland needs to avoid losing by 6 goals to Olimpia in Matchday 6 to advance. Their run of form in MLS play has carried over quite well to the CCL.
Predicted Winner: Olimpia
Most Likely Winner: Portland Timbers
Group 6 –
Drama alert! Defending CCL Champion Cruz Azul has a a chance to advance in one of the few competitve groups. However, they must travel to Alajuelense and win to move on. The Costa Rican side just needs a draw to take the group.
Predicted Winner: Alajuelense
Most Likely Winner: Alajuelense
Group 7 –
CS Herediano was not even in the tournament when it started, and now they have won with the group with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Leon in Costa Rica.
Predicted Winner: Leon (CS Herediano not in group when play began)
Winner: CS Herediano
Group 8 –
Drama alert! The other group with a winner take all game is group 8. America hosts Comunicaciones in late October and has the advantage of advances with a draw.
Predicted Winner: America
Most Likely Winner: America
Following Matchday 5 it looks like 4 teams from MLS, 2 from Liga MX and 2 from the Costa Rica Primera Division will advance to the quarterfinals.
Matchday 6 kicks off on October 21st with just the two matches that will matter. Here is a list of the TV schedule in the United States.