We’re just one more week of matches away from the meat of the 2011-2012 CONCACAF Champions League, the group stage. Before that can get underway though, eight more teams need to fill out the field for the group stage and that can only be done with the completion of the two-legged preliminary stage. 16 teams played their first legs a week ago and this week they’ll wrap up that stage of the competition with the second legs.
CONCACAF Champions League, Preliminary Round 2nd Legs: Preview
Unfortunately, most of the preliminary stage is already in the bag. Only three ties produced one-goal wins last week and one of those was a win for the away side so as we head to the second legs there isn’t a lot left to be determined. Many teams have all but booked their spot in the group stage and only one tie looks like it will result in an upset. The stage has been anything but dramatic.
Real Esteli (NIC) vs. Toronto FC (CAN)- Tuesday, 10 pm ET
It looked like Toronto had this one wrapped up. They led 2-0 at home and were in complete control of the match, but then Milos Nocic inexplicably dropped a rolling ball he came off his line to grab. It was left there for Esteli to finish and they not only cut the aggregate deficit to one, but they had themselves a vital away goal. Now Esteli needs just a 1-0 win and they are through to the group stage, but a Toronto FC win or draw and they are through. The Reds were far superior in the first leg and are coming off of a great 2-2 draw at Portland on Saturday, but they had to expend a lot of energy coming from behind in that match and it might show on Tuesday.
FC Dallas (USA) vs. Alianza (ESA)- Wednesday, 8 pm ET
Dallas went down to El Salvador and picked up a 1-0 victory. With an away goal to their name and a lead on aggregate heading home they shouldn’t have a problem holding on and advancing to the group stage. They’re in great form, having just defeated Chivas on Sunday to continue their good run of play, and Alianza don’t quite have their type of talent. Scoring early and avoiding any stress for the dozens that will be in attendance at Pizza Hut Park.
Tempete (HAI) vs. Morelia (MEX)- Wednesday, 8 pm ET
Poor Tempete never had a chance. They were severely outmanned against a powerful Mexican team like Morelia and it showed as they got run over, 5-0, in the first leg. To make things worse, they’ll have to play the second leg in Morelia too. Their stadium isn’t up to par for the competition yet so they have to stay in Mexico and probably take another beating.
Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR) vs. Metapan (ESA)- Wednesday, 8 pm ET
Metapan did exactly what they aimed to do in their first leg at home. They defeated Puerto Rico by multiple goals and they kept a clean sheet in downing the Islanders, 2-0. Puerto Rico has had success in this tournament before so they’re not completely out yet, but they don’t have the most explosive of attacks and Metapan is very organized at the back. It doesn’t look good for the Islanders.
Seattle Sounders (USA) vs. San Francisco (PAN)- Wednesday, 10 pm ET
The shocker of the first legs came in this tie when Seattle went down to Panama and were upended by San Francisco, 1-0. The Sounders had been playing extremely well and San Francisco were embarrassed in the Champions League a year ago so it looked like the American side would roll, but a penalty put San Francisco on top and they held on for the win. Now Seattle returns home with zero momentum, having followed up their loss in Panama with a loss in league play, and needing to get a win to advance. Worse, if San Francisco score a goal then Seattle will have to score at least three to advance.
Olimpia (HON) vs. Santos Lagnuna (MEX)- Wednesday, 10 pm ET
It looked like Olimpia were down and out, trailing Santos 3-0 in the first leg and down a man, but they found themselves a late goal and all of a sudden they have a chance again. A 3-1 loss isn’t pretty, but it has that vital away goal so now that they’re heading back home they need just a 2-0 win to advance. It’s an unlikely result. Getting two goals against the center back pairing of Felipe Baloy and Santiago Hoyos is no easy task and then there’s dealing with the on fire Oribe Peralta, but Olimpia have a chance, even if a slight one.
Alpha United (GUY) vs. Herediano (CRC)- Thursday, 8 pm ET
Herediano won the first leg, 8-0. That is all.
Municipal (GUA) vs. Motagua (HON)- Thursday, 10 pm ET
Motagua dominated Municipal in the first leg, 4-0. This tie is over. Motagua will be in Group A.
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