Cristian Roldan and Fredy Montero have played a big impact in Seattle’s Concacaf Champions League success
Seattle, WA – In a humongous leg two matchup between the Seattle Sounders and UNAM PUMAS, the Concacaf Champions League trophy is up for grabs. Following a 2-2 draw in leg one in Mexico City, Seattle has homefield advantage as they have their sights set on history. As stated several times throughout this tournament, Seattle would be the first MLS team to scale the Concacaf Champions League mountain. Despite allowing two late penalty kick goals to end the first leg in a tie, Pumas heads into the second leg with some momentum. Pumas qualified for the LIGA MX playoffs over the past week, and they seem to be feeling good, especially with Ignacio Dinenno still healthy. There’s all to play for on May 4th, and it’s sure to be a thriller.
Last match recap:
- Sounders: The last match for the Sounders was the first leg matchup between the two teams. Seattle gave up the first two goals to Pumas, as Dinenno continued to be a man on a mission in this tournament. Seattle was able to stay strong and dig in, drawing two incredibly crucial penalties in the 77th and 99th minutes of the match. Nicolas Lodeiro would take both attempts, putting both away. Tying the game up sends this tournament back to Seattle with basically a clean slate, and everything still up for grabs.
- Pumas: The Mexico City based club had the early upper hand against the MLS side early. Pumas scored goals in the 38th and 48th minutes. The home team almost did not have that first goal, as Sounders keeper Stefan Frei saved the initial penalty attempt. After review, it was ruled that Frei came off of his line. Ignacio Dinenno, who had seemed questionable in his health status leading up to that match, scored from the penalty spot for the first goal, and on a header off of a corner in the 48th minute. Pumas seemed to be doing everything right, but Seattle stayed resilient and hung in.
Nico Lodeiro scored the two penalties that helped Seattle draw against Pumas in Leg One
Where they stand heading into this matchup
- Sounders: In this tournament, 5-2-0. In MLS, 2-4-1
- Pumas: In this tournament, 4-3-1. In their current LIGA MX season, 6-4-7
Players to watch on PUMAS
- Ignacio Dinenno: It should go without saying that Seattle’s top priority defensively is keeping an eye on Dinenno. He has already done damage to Seattle in this final, and has plenty of potential to do more in the second leg. The 27-year-old Argentinian attacker is a skillful player that can attack you in many different ways, and don’t be surprised if he finds the back of the net once again in Seattle. He’s already scored nine times in this tournament.
- Alan Mozo: Pumas‘ right back has been the leading assist man in this tournament for the club, recording four in seven matches played. A young outside back at 25-years-old, the Mexican defender has been able to provide offensive venom to this team when needed. Good feeds into Dinenno make this team dangerous, and Mozo plays a part in that. Making sure that Mozo is not able to have his way on the outside is critical to denying part of Pumas’ dangerous attack. None of this may matter, though, if Mozo is not able to play. There is a decent chance that we may not see him for the second leg, but nothing is confirmed yet.
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José Rogério de Oliveira Melo: Rogerio is a seasoned veteran for Pumas at the winger position. Right behind Mozo in assists in this tournament with three, the 31-year-old Brazilian has been able to also help to fuel this Pumas attack. In addition to the assists, he’s scored a goal of his own in seven games played. With his knowledge of the game, keeping Rogerio in front of the Sounders defense is a priority as to not only negate his scoring ability, but his passing ability as well.
Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei has another tough task ahead.
Keys to a Sounders win
- Run the game through Cristian Roldan, and attack Pumas’ right side: Cristian Roldan has been playing at another gear so far this season, both in MLS play and in the Concacaf Champions League. Roldan has been the engine that is driving this team, making the case for a World Cup invitation later this year. With that being said, it would be wise to attack the right side of the Pumas formation, where Mozo normally would play. In leg one of this matchup, Mozo was already questionable heading into the match. He was also subbed out of the game in the extra time of the first half due to an injury. Without a player like Mozo at one of their outside back slots, it makes total sense to use one of the many attacking weapons that Seattle has on their roster to run all over that right side.
- Continue to play your game, and remain calm: The Seattle Sounders have winning in their franchise history, at least in the MLS iteration. Earning a playoff berth in every single season since their MLS start in 2009, two MLS Cup wins, one Supporters Shield, and four US Open Cups. Seattle has had it’s success in MLS, and so far this season they have had success in the Concacaf Champions League. The Sounders have the talent and the chemistry to make this possible, and they get to attempt to do so in their own building.
- Etch your names in the history books: The Sounders have the chance to do something that no other MLS team has done. If MLS wants to continue it’s rise in relevancy around the futbol world, one of their clubs winning this trophy would push that along. Seattle has been one of the faces of futbol in the United States, and they can continue to grow their brand further with a victory on May 4th. There is so much at stake in so many different aspects, including the opportunity for Seattle to host World Cup matches in 2026. It’s hard to fathom the magnitude, and it’s up to the Sounders to finish the job.
Thank you to Melissa Levin for the great photos used in this article!
Seattle Sounders FC
