Photo by Patricia Giobetti/ISIphotos.com
The Seattle Sounders pulled off perhaps the most impressive road victory for an MLS team in CONCACAF Champions League play by topping defending champion Monterrey in Mexico on Aug. 23.
In order to maintain their post atop Group D, the Sounders will have to dig deep on the road again, this time in Costa Rica.
The Sounders face Herediano (10 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel, CONCACAF.com live stream), the former team of Seattle left back Leo Gonzalez, with a chance to make it through the first half of group play unscathed. Herediano has no points, has yet to score in two matches and boasts a goal differential of -7 — largely because of a 5-0 home loss to Monterrey to open group play.
Seattle, meanwhile, enters the match with a 2-0 record after wins over Comunicaciones and Monterrey and a win would give the club nine points and a much more comfortable path to reaching the knockout stage.
Here's a closer look at Wednesday's two other CCL matches involving MLS teams:
FC DALLAS vs. TAURO FC
When: 8 p.m.
TV: Fox Soccer Channel, CONCACAF.com live stream
Outlook: FC Dallas sits comfortably atop Group C but is unlikely to have star Brek Shea for the match at Pizza Hut Park as he deals with a minor groin injury.
Fabian Castillo and Marvin Chavez are also injury doubts, meaning that the onus should fall upon different faces to carry the attack while Dallas' defense protects against the athletic Panamanian side's advances.
PUMAS UNAM vs. TORONTO FC
When: 8 p.m.
TV: Telefutura, CONCACAF.com live stream
Outlook: Toronto will look to follow and the footsteps of FC Dallas and Seattle and become the third MLS team to win on Mexican soil when it takes on the very team that Dallas beat to break down the barrier last month.
The Reds are positioned in second place in Group C, and a win over Pumas would keep them in position to advance to the knockout stage no matter what happens in the Dallas-Tauro matchup. TFC is also looking to capitalize on the momentum of its four-goal output against Columbus that resulted in a Trillium Cup triumph for the first time in team history.
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How do you see the MLS teams faring in the CCL tonight? Think Toronto FC can win in Mexico?
Share your thoughts below.
No wonder his name is Montero – his ego is the size of a mountain.
Montero is so lazy
Monterrey fielded an A team vs Seattle mixed starters and reserves and lost at home. MLS is coming… MLS doesn’t have the money to give them the depth of the FMF that these tourneys require and that is the main difference, IMHO.
Santos and PUMAS use an A-team and rout MLS teams…Mid-table Morelia uses an A-team and beats MLS best team….I think MLS still has work to do, Mexican teams are really bringing it know.