Arabe Unido players (pictured) leave the field after losing to host FC Dallas in Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, first-leg match on February 23, 2017, in Frisco, Texas, USA. (Photo: Mexsport)
FRISCO, Texas – Despite a 4-0 loss at FC Dallas on Thursday, Arabe Unido head coach Sergio Guzman is optimistic of a comeback in next week’s 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, second leg.
“FC Dallas surprised us, but at home the job is to maintain hope,” said Guzman in his post-match press conference. “The idea is not to falter.”
While no team has ever rallied from a four-goal deficit after the first leg in the SCCL knockout rounds, Arabe Unido can draw inspiration from FC Dallas’ last visit to Panama.
In September 2011, the MLS side dropped a 5-3 decision Tauro in a group-stage encounter.
A 5-3 loss on March 1 would still ensure FC Dallas’ passage to its first-ever SCCL semifinal, but for Arabe Unido, that data point from nearly six years ago will give it reason to believe that a comeback is possible.
“Today is just the first half,” Guzman stressed. “In football, there is nothing written and anything can happen.”
In addition to overturning a large deficit, Arabe Unido will also have to overcome its own history. In five all-time SCCL quarterfinal matches, the Panamanian power has posted a 0W-1D-4L record.
