Sounders vs. Cruz Azul: Clash in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16
Seattle Sounders Aim to Extend Unbeaten Streak Against Liga MX Giants
The Seattle Sounders are set to host Cruz Azul in a high-stakes Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match. Riding a remarkable 12-game unbeaten streak in Champions League and Cup play since 2020, the Sounders face one of their toughest tests yet.
Match Preview
Cruz Azul, a powerhouse in Liga MX, finished at the top of the Apertura table and currently sits sixth in the Clausura. With a star-studded roster, they remain a formidable force in North American soccer. Despite missing some key players, including former Atlanta United forward Giorgos Giakoumakis, they bring depth and experience to the match.
Seattle, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on home-field advantage and continue their dominance in the tournament.
Key Storylines
✅ First-Ever MLS-Era Meeting: This is the first time Seattle will face Cruz Azul as an MLS team. Their last encounter dates back to 1997 in the A-League, where Cruz Azul claimed an 11-0 victory.
✅ Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s Availability: The midfielder has been signed to a second short-term loan, making him eligible for this match and Saturday’s LAFC clash. However, to appear in more MLS games, Seattle must sign him to a first-team contract.
✅ Familiar Faces: Cruz Azul’s squad features former MLS players like Mateusz Bogusz and Omar Campos, while their manager, Vicente Sánchez, played in MLS as recently as 2017.
✅ Historic Success: Cruz Azul is a six-time Concacaf champion, last winning the title in 2013.
With both teams hungry for victory, this match promises to be an intense battle on the road to continental glory. Can the Sounders extend their unbeaten run, or will Cruz Azul’s experience prove too much?
One thought on “Sounders vs. Cruz Azul: A High-Stakes Concacaf Champions Cup Battle”