Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs. Club América
What: CONCACAF Champions Cup – Round of 16, Leg 1
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, PA
When: Tuesday, March 10th, 7:00 PM
Watch: FS1, TUDN, ConcacafGo, OneSoccer

The Union have had a rocky start to the season in MLS play, and they have a tall task ahead of them if they want to turn things around tonight as they host Liga MX giants Club América in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16.

Scouting Report: Club América

Traditionally one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Mexico, Club América have had some uncharacteristic struggles of late. They finished 4th in the 2025 Apertura, and sit just 8th in Clausura standings, just above the playoff line. Las Águilas also squeaked by in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round 1, winning just 2-1 on aggregate over Honduran side CD Olimpia.

Even in poor form, the seven-time CCC champions will be a formidable opponent for the Union. Standout players include US international Alejandro Zendejas, Mexico legend Jona Dos Santos, and goalkeeper Luis Malagón, among others.

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union have had an awful start to the MLS season, with three pretty lifeless losses through their first three games. However, in CCC they have been the opposite, as a young, rotated lineup led by Cavan Sullivan eased to a 12-0 aggregate win over Defence Force of Trinidad and Tobago. Will Carnell keep that youthful side on the field for the Round of 16? That seems a tall order against one of the most talented teams in this hemisphere.

Matchup to Watch: Henry Martín vs. the Union centerbacks

The Union defense has struggled this year to adapt to the losses of their two best pieces over the offseason, including at centerback, where a number of players have rotated through already this year. Up against one of the most experienced and feared strikers in Liga MX, this will be a tough task for the group.

Player to Watch: Cavan Sullivan

Will Bradley Carnell give the 16-year-old the start? It seems possible, given Sullivan’s standout CCC performances and the team’s lifeless attacking play in MLS without him. If so, this will be the first big test of the year for the young star.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1 – 3 Club América

Club América bring a hostile atmosphere with them wherever they go, and given this Union team’s struggles early this season, it is hard to imagine them coming out of the first leg with a lead.