March 10, 2026; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Club America’s forward Raul Zuniga (19) shoots the ball in the third minute of the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Image Raphael Veiga scored a superb team goal as Club America beat the Philadelphia Union 1-0 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 on Tuesday in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The two teams are scheduled to complete a two-game, all-scoring series on March 18 in Mexico City. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals against either Nashville SC or Inter Miami.
In the 20th minute, Club America put together a series of impressive passes, with Brian Rodriguez splitting two defenders and racing towards the ball towards the 18-yard box. Rodriguez squared the ball to Veiga, who set himself up with his first touch and then fired a 14-yard half-volley into the top left corner of the net.
The Union held a 9-7 advantage in total shots, but the visitors did not have any attempts on target.
Philadelphia goalie Andrew Rick made two saves.
Club America’s goalkeeper Ángel Malagon suffered an injury late in the first half, so Rodolfo Cotta came on as a replacement. Neither was credited as a save.
LD Alajuelense 1, Los Angeles FC 1
Denis Bouanga scored the equalizer in the second half as hosts Los Angeles FC dominated the match against LD Alajuelense but were held to a draw in the first leg of the series.
Alejandro Bran scored from long range just before halftime for Alajuelense, who will host the second leg in Alajuela, Costa Rica on March 17. The winning team will face Mexico’s Cruz Azul or Monterrey in the quarterfinals.
LAFC held a 31-4 advantage in shots against and a 13-3 advantage in shots on target.
In the 44th minute, Alajuelense moved the ball down the right flank and a cross into the box was headed in by the LAFC defense. The ball fell in front of Bran, who connected a 20-yard volley with his right foot, beating the diving LA goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and entering the left side of the net.
12 minutes later, Buanga received a pass from Son Heung-min at the top center of the 18-yard box and fired a right-footed shot to the other side of the goal.
–Field level media
