On Tuesday, March 10, the Philadelphia Union hosted Club América in the first leg of the Round of 16, that ended in frustration for Union fans. Homegrown player, Cavan Sullivan made his first start of the 2026 season before being substituted at halftime. Philippe Ndinga also made his first appearance of the 2026 campaign for the Union, while Agustín Anello debuted in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Once again, the Union created more attacking opportunities, outshooting Club América 12 to 7, but ability to finish proved to be the difference. Raphael Veiga found the back of the net in the 20th minute, giving the visitors an early lead that was the match’s lone goal. The game was physical resulting in the Union receiving three yellow cards — Geiner Martínez in the 18th minute, Olwethu Makhanya in the 44th, and Agustín Anello shortly after halftime in the 47th minute. Club América’s only booking came late, with Rodrigo Dourado shown yellow in the 87th minute.
The Union battled hard in a match that felt more physical than many of their recent outings, but frustration grew as chance after chance failed to result in a goal. The Boys in Blue showed frustration and disbelief as scoring opportunities continued to miss the net. The final whistle handed the Union another loss. The Union takes on Club América in the second leg of the series in Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes on Wednesday, March 18.
Luis Malagón makes a save under pressure from Jesus Bueno. Aaron Mejía gives direction to his goalie for where to send the ball.Jovan Lukic raises his arms in protest while Érick Sánchez signals for a card to be given by head referee, Keylor Herrera.Philippe Ndinga heads the ball as Agustín Anello anticipates where Ndinga is placing it.Nathan Harriel keeps moving the ball under pressure from Rodrigo Dourado.Philippe Ndinga and Jesus Bueno apply pressure to Aarón Mejía who was tackled from behind.Philippe Ndinga tries to defend Raphael Veiga’s strike on the ball that resulted in a goal.Raphael Veiga celebrates his goal with teammates in the corner.Olwethu Makhanya battles in the air for the header near the 18.Olwethu Makhanya wins the header against Patricio Salas in the second half of the game.Agustín Anello and Aaron Mejía fight for the ball near the end line.Club America goalie, Luis Malagón went down in the first half tearing his achilles, taking him out of the World Cup for Mexico.Olwethu Makhanya collides with a Club America player who is down in pain.Rodolfo Cota defends the goal against the Union’s Jesus Bueno and Agustín AnelloIsrael Reyes takes a high kick almost hitting Agustín Anello in the face while clearing the ball.Frankie Westfield moves the ball toward the goal under pressure from Cristian Borja and his teammate.Andrew Rick makes a save in the second half of the game.Bruno Damiani leaps forward mid-air while controlling the ball, closely challenged by a Club América player.Sebastian Cáceres wins the header while Jesus Bueno and Frankie Westfield anticipate where the ball will go.Indiana Vassilev works to get control of the ball under pressure by Aarón Mejía.After another miss on putting the ball in the net, Bruno Damiani, Indiana Vassilev, and Danley Jean Jacques are in disbelief that they are not able to score.Banner in the Club America fan section, show supporters groups from all over the country.Coach Bradley Carnell shows the officials the handball sign asking for a VAR check.Japhet Sery challenges Club America’s Brian Rodríguez for the header.The players from Club America gather after the final whistle to congratulate each other on the win.Club America fans gather at Union Yards to celebrate their win in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against he Philadelphia Union.
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