ZCZC
BSP-07
FBL-CONCACAF-C1
Club America into CONCACAF Champions League semis
MIAMI, Dec 17, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Mexican giants Club America booked their place in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Major League Soccer outfit Atlanta United.
Leading 3-0 from the first leg, America never looked in danger of surrendering their advantage against Atlanta, despite conceding an 82nd-minute goal from Jackson Conway as United ground out a 1-0 win.
United were unable to add to Conway’s headed effort, and Atlanta’s night ended on a sour note when Marcelino Moreno was sent off for lashing out after a rugged challenge from Santiago Naveda in the 90th minute.
America, who are chasing an eighth CONCACAF Champions League title, will face either fellow Liga-MX side Cruz Azul or Los Angeles FC in Saturday’s semi-finals.
The premier continental competition for clubs in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, the CONCACAF Champions League’s final stages are taking place at a neutral venue in Orlando, Florida, in order to mitigate risks of disruption from the coronavirus.
Atlanta’s exit was the latest chapter in a disappointing campaign for MLS teams, who have not won the tournament for 20 years.
On Tuesday, Montreal Impact and New York City FC were both eliminated in the quarter-finals, meaning Los Angeles FC are the last remaining MLS team in the draw.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1010 hrs