The Seattle Sounders faced off against Cruz Azul on a cool evening at Lumen Field in Seattle, entering the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. It was an exciting matchup that fans had been waiting for, showcasing two impressive teams from different leagues. Ultimately, the match concluded in a scoreless draw, making it a memorable night for everyone involved.
Match Highlights
Both teams came prepared to put on a show, and in the thrilling first leg of their series, the Seattle Sounders and Cruz Azul went head-to-head, trying to gain an advantage in this important tournament. The Sounders had high hopes, backed by an impressive 12-game unbeaten streak in the Champions League since 2020. On the other hand, Cruz Azul, with a talented roster including several familiar faces from past matches, was ready to make an impact in the championship.
Scoring Opportunities
- Jordan Morris had fantastic chances to score early on but unfortunately missed the goal with his attempts.
- Nouhou Tolo came close, hitting the crossbar with a powerful header during the second half.
- Seattle’s goalkeeper, Stefan Frei, showcased his skills, making two impressive saves to keep the match even.
- Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper, Kevin Mier, matched Frei’s performance, securing a clean sheet with one crucial save.
Injuries and Absences
For the Sounders, Reed Baker-Whiting was out due to a hamstring injury, which was a tough blow for the team. Similarly, Cruz Azul decided to leave behind several top players in Mexico, including Giorgos Giakoumakis. The absence of these seasoned players meant that both teams had to rely heavily on their remaining squad for this crucial match.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With the teams finishing without any goals, all attention now turns to the second leg of the series, which will take place next Tuesday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. This upcoming match will be critical, as it will determine which team advances further in the Champions Cup. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the teams will adjust after this stalemate and if both sides will come out swinging in the next confrontation.
How to Watch
The exciting matches of the Champions Cup will continue to be broadcast for all fans to catch the action. For those who want to watch the next leg of the series, English-language broadcasts will be available on FoxSports.com and FS2, while Spanish-language broadcasts can be found on TUDN.com, ViX, and TUDN. Make sure to tune in to see how this thrilling contest unfolds!
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday |
| Venue | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| Final Score | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Next Match | Next Tuesday at Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
As the Sounders prepare for this critical second leg, fans are sure to be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if their team can carry their unbeaten streak further into the tournament. Let’s hope for an exciting rematch!
