When CONCACAF club teams were first invited to take part in the Copa Sudamericana two years ago, few could have predicted the success that has, for the most part, ensued since. In the inaugural tournament in 2005 Pumas UNAM and D.C. United represented CONCACAF. The MLS team lost at the first stage (Round of 16) to Universidad Católica of Chile but Pumas UNAM reached the final losing, ultimately, on penalties to Argentina's Boca Juniors, having collected the scalps of Corinthians (BRA) and Vélez Sársfield (ARG) along the way.
The following year, in 2006, Pachuca CF went one step further. Their Chilean opponents, Colo Colo, had already sent one Mexican team home at the semifinal stage when they ousted CD Toluca over two legs. But Pachuca CF were not to be denied and despite a 1:1 tie at the Hidalgo Stadium and going one down down in the second leg, the tuzos rallied with goals from Caballero and Giminez in the second half to win the Cup. Their triumph marked the first time a CONCACAF team (club or national) has won a CONMEBOL hosted tournament.
In this year's Round of 16 action Club América stunned Pachuca CF in the first leg winning 4:1 at the Hidalgo Stadium with three quick goals in nine second half minutes. In the second leg at the Azteca Stadium, the tuzos battled hard and despite scoring twice and bringing the aggregate score to 4:3 Club América held on thanks to a great display from goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
In another all-CONCACAF Round of 16 clash D.C. United squared up to CD Guadalajara in a major international competition for the second time in seven months. Just as in the semifinal of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup™ back in March, chivas would run out winners - this time progressing on away goals with the aggregate score level at 2:2. The hard fought victory for the Mexican side preserved the long standing record of no MLS club ever winning a competitive match in Mexico.
If both Mexican teams win their quarterfinal match ups they will face each other in the semifinal which will ensure that for the third consecutive year a team from CONCACAF could make it all the way to the final.
