Both MLS clubs had a chance to seize the initiative in their respective CONCACAF Champions League groups last night, but only one managed to come through. D.C. walloped San Juan Jabloteh 5-1 to hop into second place in Group B, while Houston failed to score and lost to Pachuca 1-0. United has completed a rather remarkable turnaround in the competition, after going winless last year and dropping their first two this year.
D.C. was in control after the first half, scoring three goals against a porous Jabloteh defense. Christian Gomez and Boyzzz Khumalo each scored twice for the home side, with Fred adding the fifth goal. If Marathon loses tonight against Toluca, United will advance to the quarterfinals next spring. It'll make things much harder if Marathon wins or draw, however, as the Hondurans face Jabloteh next while United travel to Mexico.
Houston couldn't achieve a similar result at home yesterday against a much tougher opponent. A 23rd minute goal from Pachuca's Edgar Benitez was enough for the visitors to grab all three points in a 1-0 defeat. Houston had plenty of chances to equalize but were unable to convert any of them. The loss dampens their hopes for a quaterfinal position next spring, as they'll need some help when Pachuca when they take on Arabe Unido in a couple of weeks.
Highlights of United's victory are after the jump.
What did you think of last night's CCL games? Will D.C. qualify tonight with help from Toluca? Can Houston make a comeback during their last game? Share your thoughts below.