MIAMI, Florida – It was another full weekend of action across North America, as Liga MX leaders and 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League finalists Club America showed no signs of slowing down by posting a 2-0 win over city rivals Pumas.
Some heads-up play from Richard Sanchez earned Club America their opening goal in the first half, as a heavy touch from the Pumas defense gifted the ball to Sanchez, who flighted a shot over the head of Pumas GK Alfredo Talavera and into goal.
Pumas looked to respond, but they were turned away from Club America and Mexico GK Guillermo Ochoa, allowing Las Aguilas to finish things off in second half stoppage time with a Mauro Lainez strike.
Meanwhile, Club America’s 2021 SCCL Final opponent, Monterrey, came up shy in a 3-1 loss at FC Juarez. Maximiliano Meza had Rayados in front 1-0 in the 39’, but three straight goals for the hosts from Diego Rolan, Jefferson Intriago and Maximiliano Olivera gave the three points to Head Coach Ricardo Ferretti’s side.
Atlas, who are seeking their first league title since 1951, climbed up to second in the table after a dramatic 1-0 win against city rivals Chivas in the Clasico Tapatio. Aldo Rocha scored from the penalty spot in the 27’ to give Los Rojinegros the three points.
Fresh off their big win over Independiente of Panama in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16, Canadian Premier League side Forge FC, downed Atletico Ottawa 3-0.
David Choiniere struck early in the 7’ and then was joined on the scoresheet by Daniel Krutzen in the 52’ and Woobens Pacius in the 80’ to help Forge earn another three points. Forge are five points back of leaders Pacific, but with two games in hand.
In MLS, the New England Revolution still have five games to go in the 2021 Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season, but they have already clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference following the results over the weekend in MLS.
The Revolution were not in action, but their nearest pursuers were, as second-place Nashville SC played to a 0-0 draw with New York City FC. The result means that New England have home-field advantage locked up throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The playoff race is razor-thin in the rest of the Eastern Conference and CF Montreal launched themselves into the seventh and final playoff spot with a big 2-1 win over Atlanta United. Honduras international Romell Quito scored a goal in each half to lead the way.
In a battle of two of the top three teams in the Western Conference, leaders Seattle Sounders rolled past third-place Colorado Rapids 3-0. United States international Cristian Roldan opened the scoring before goals from Jimmy Medranda and Joao Paulo completed the scoreline.
Any time the Los Angeles Galaxy take on crosstown rivals Los Angeles FC, there are fireworks and Sunday’s encounter was no different, with the two teams battling to a 1-1 draw. Mamadou Fall gave visiting LAFC an early lead, only for Samuel Grandsir to level things, resulting in a share of the spoils.
