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.
Dating back to the Curtin era, the Union are at their best when they have a defensive bite, things get chippy, and the game opens up. To me, this game presents an opportunity to play to that script. Having watched many iterations of CCC over the years, the games have a tendency to get “concacaf-y.” I don’t know WHO will step up for the Union, but someone has a window tonight to become that Brujo-type energizer. I think a faster pace of play will alleviate some of the attacking frustrations to-date. A great stage for Cavan to announce himself. Dre will have to come up big to get a result. I see a 2-2 or 3-2 type score line. America has the edge, but am predicting that the Union at least show us something to be excited about, and a close enough game to have a chance in leg 2 in Mex.
The tips market seem more bullish on the Union than the 0-3 league play would suggest.
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The way I see it–be confident and go for it. Embrace the challenge and opportunity, especially since CA isn’t exhibiting past strengths themselves. If we lose, we won’t be surprised given what we’ve seen from Sugarman’s clearing house and league play, so we’re playing with house money.
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It’s a match that will draw international attention, so the players have every incentive to show what they can do for their own prospects.
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CCC is intentionally hard to qualify, hence why it took us over a decade to do so. We’ve been spoiled with now 4 appearances since COVID, but given Sugarman’s sabotage, we may face a long absence again before we experience another.
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For me, tonight is again about the fan experience of being part of the Champions League-CWC pathway level of global club football against a blue chip Mexican team. It may be the last I see of this in the Soob for the Union for an indeterminate period with remnant life span permitting.
It has gotten easier to qualify over the last few years with the tournament expanding from 16 teams in 2021 when the Union first participated to 27 teams now, with MLS getting the lion’s share of the increase thanks to their domination of the garber cup knockout phase.
Agreed that LC brought 3 new spots to the CCC. You have to finish in the top 3 of LC to qualify for CCC as we know, and that’s not easy. There’s also no guarantee that the top 3 finishers will be MLS teams. MLS teams also now have to make the MLS playoffs to qualify for LC, and their LC will be seeded by performance.
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LC therefore makes it a bit easier, but not by much. All that is to be expected for a ‘Champions’ tournament. Top tier finishers in league and/or tournaments only.