The latest Champions Cup action saw thrilling matches for FC Cincinnati, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and LA Galaxy as they progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament.
FC Cincinnati Dominates O&M FC
FC Cincinnati put on an impressive display at TQL Stadium, defeating Dominican Republic’s O&M FC with a staggering 9-0 scoreline. This victory secured an aggregate score of 13-0, following a 4-0 win in the first leg.
Cincinnati’s upcoming challenge will be against Liga MX’s Tigres UANL in the Round of 16 scheduled for March.
Key Contributors
- Kenji Mboma Dem: 2 goals
- Dado Valenzuela: 1 goal
- Tom Barlow: 1 goal
- Ademar Chávez: 1 goal (youngest scorer in club history at 17 years and 44 days)
- Stiven Jimenez: 1 goal
- Alvas Powell: 1 goal
- Andrei Chirilă: 1 goal
Goals were scored at the following times:
- 18′ – Kenji Mboma Dem
- 27′ – Gerardo Valenzuela
- 33′ – Gabriel Castillo (own goal)
- 35′ – Tom Barlow
- 48′ – Ademar Chávez
- 58′ – Kenji Mboma Dem
- 68′ – Stiven Jimenez
- 78′ – Alvas Powell
- 86′ – Andrei Chirilă
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Advances
In another exciting match, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated CS Cartaginés 2-0 at BC Place, securing a spot in the Round of 16. The aggregate score of the tie was 2-0 after a goalless draw in the first leg played in Costa Rica.
Vancouver is set to face Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC in the next round.
Goals of the Match
- 58′ – Kenji Cabrera
- 80′ – Sebastian Berhalter
The Whitecaps took control in the second half after several near misses, finally breaking the deadlock with Cabrera’s goal and sealing the win through Berhalter.
LA Galaxy Draws but Progresses
LA Galaxy faced Sporting San Miguelito in a tense match that ended in a 0-0 draw at Dignity Health Sports Complex. However, the Galaxy advanced on away goals after a 1-1 tie on aggregate.
Joseph Paintsil had a goal disallowed due to offside, but his earlier tally in Panama proved crucial for the Galaxy’s advancement. They will encounter Mount Pleasant from Jamaica in the next round.
Match Summary
Despite not scoring, LA Galaxy’s solid performance was enough to push them through to the knockout stage, highlighting the importance of defense in tournament play.
