CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2015-16

Yep. Definitely a Galaxy B-squad. Good to give the kids some time, especially when you only need a draw to finish atop the group.

 

The first leg of the quarterfinals are upon us the next couple of days. Interestingly enough the final 8 teams are comprised of 4 MLS clubs v 4 Liga MX clubs. Tonight it's Queretaro hosting DC United and Club America at Seattle. Tomorrow's matches are Real Salt Lake away to Tigres and the La Galaxy home to Santos. Hoping for 2 MLS teams to advance, expecting 1 team too win, but sadly won't be shocked if all 4 lose.

 

Guess who's back. Back again. Shady's (er, Deuce's) back.
Tell a friend.
Now everyone report to the soccer pitch.
To the soccer pitch.
To the soccer pitch.....

http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016...all-important-second-leg-against-club-america

 

Seattle should have won that match - and that would've been awesome for MLS. Going back to the Azteca and America just needs a 0-0 draw will be a test of all tests for the Sounders. Dempsey's free kick was sublime - he looked up for the match, actually, both sides looked up for it and it was entertaining for a neutral like me.

 

Until something changes and MLS teams aren't forced to play while in preseason against Liga MX teams that are 7 or 8 games into their regular season they have little chance to advance. RSL loses 2-0 and reports are it could've been worse. The Galaxy have the best chance of the 4 to advance after managing a 0-0 draw at home. Another draw at Santos with an away goal and the Galaxy press on.

 

DC needed to strike first, but gave a goal up in the opening minutes instead, losing on agg 1-3. The LA Galaxy went down to Santos and got waxed to the tune of 4-0. Barring a Seattle miracle win in Azteca or RSL erasing a 2 goal deficit against the best team from Mexico, the MLS will finish start the season in embarrassing fashion.

Herbert Morrison with the call of the Airship Galaxy's performance tonight:

 

Why don't they just change it so that group stages are at the start of the year, with knockouts going summer to early fall?

 

Then Mexico/Liga MX would complain that they would not be in season during knockouts.

 

RSL was more than respectable and had a PK to draw level on agg 2-2 in the 74th minute, but missed it.

The MLS powers that be need to look at this more seriously than ever before and not just for CCL competitiveness. Now that guys are getting paid well enough to stay (players used to go to the Danish/Belgium leagues to go from 40K to 150K in salary) this league needs to stay consistent with everyone else. There seems to be a vacuum of talent for the Nats, is it a fair question to ask if the MLS schedule and the 5 months off is a severe detriment to the USMNT?