March 10 – A strike from Brazilian Raphael Veiga was enough for Mexican giants Club América to take a 1-0 lead home for their second leg, last 16 tie, against Philadelphia Union next Wednesday in Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Mexico City.
Bradley Carnell opted to put his faith in a youthful starting XI, including 16 year old Cavan Sullivan wide on the right.
In contrast André Jardine banked on an experience with compatriot Veiga the fulcrum of their goal ambitions. Rodolfo Cota, coming on as a sub at 38 years and 250 days, set the record for the oldest player to appear in a Champions Cup match for Club América.
It was Veiga who delivered in the decider in the 20th minute. A Brian Rodriguez drive into the box saw him pull the back to Veiga who unleashed a vicious left-footed strike into the top left corner of 20-year-old Union keeper Andrew Rick’s goal. He had no chance.
Sullivan was lively for Union and displayed supreme confidence despite his youth as he tested the Club América back line, but it was Rodriguez and Alex Zendejas on the Mexican club’s flanks who provided the most realistic threat.
The second half saw Club América exert their control on the game.
On the hour mark Viega could have made it 2-0. Shooting from the centre of the box his shot sailed over the bar. He had two more chances, a header that was saved and a shot blocked before he was subbed with 23 minutes to go.
With Viega’s departure much of the Club América threat disappeared and Union started to work themselves back into the game.
Brian Damiani, on a sub and belatedly so, should have done more with a shot inside the box that went wide. He had more chances but the ball wasn’t running for him and he didn’t have enough time left on the game to put it right.
Indiana Vassilev capitalised on some loose Club América defensive work but his shot from the top of the box was high and wide of the target. He should have done better.
The Union eased into the Champions Cup with a 7-0 aggregate win in the first round against Vancouver FC. Club América, who had a gritty win over Honduras’ Olimpia in the first round, brought Union back down to earth. Union now have the daunting task of an away trip to Mexico City knowing they have to score at least twice to make it to the quarter finals.
Last 16, first leg, Philadelphia Union 0 Club América 1