Pumas unam vs Seattle sounders: the latest chapter in the Mexico-usa rivalry
On Wednesday, Seattle Sounders visit El Estadio Olimpico Universitario to face Pumas UNAM in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League. This matchup will be the third final between a Liga Mx team and an MLS team in the last five years and is what many see as the next chapter in the Mexico USA soccer rivalry.
Credits: @thechampions via twitter
The matchup between Seattle and Pumas is just the continuation of what has been a year of Mexico VS USA soccer in CONCACAF. In the last year, the USA has had a number on Mexico as they defeated El Tri in the Gold Cup and the Nations League. In the Concacaf qualifiers, the USA defeated Mexico in another “Dos a Zero” as well as picking up a draw in El Azteca which many fans consider a victory for the USA. This Wednesday's Concacaf Champions League final is Mexico's last chance to avoid a full-on sweep and avoid what would be a dominant year for USA soccer.
Credits: CBS Sports
Pumas UNAM is familiar with playing MLS sides as they have had to defeat New England Revolution in the Quarter-Finals. Los Universitarios came back from a 3-0 deficit in the second leg and forced a penalty shootout where they defeated New England 4-3 and advanced to the next round. In the Semi-finals, they defeated cross-town rivals Cruz Azul 2-1 in the first leg and then put on an impressive defensive performance in the second leg to keep La Máquina at 0.
Credits: Boston.com
Seattle Sounders are also familiar with playing Liga Mx sides as they defeated León 4-1 on aggregate after a dominant 3-0 performance in the first leg. In the Semi-finals, they faced an MLS, the defending champions New York City FC. The Sounders took another commanding lead in the first leg as they defeated NYCFC 3-1. In the second leg, they were able to hold on to a 1-1 draw and advance to the final.
Credits: Major League Soccer
The task is not easy for Seattle, but they have a chance to make history. If after two legs Seattle can come out on top, not only would it be their first-ever CONCACAF Champions League title, but they would also be the first MLS team to win the tournament since LA Galaxy won back in 2000. Pumas also have a chance to continue what has been years of Liga Mx dominance in the CONCACAF Champions League. Since 2006 the tournament has only seen winners from one league, Liga Mx. Liga Mx are currently 4-0 against MLS sides. In the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League, Monterrey defeated Real Salt Lake. America defeated Montreal in 2014-15, Chivas defeated Toronto FC in 2018, and Tigres defeated LAFC in 2020.