CONCACAF Champions League 2022: All Matches & Results
Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling world of the CONCACAF Champions League 2022. This tournament brought us some unforgettable moments, stunning goals, and nail-biting finishes. If you're a soccer fan, you probably followed every match with bated breath. Whether you're here to relive the excitement or catch up on what you missed, this article is your ultimate guide to all the matches and results from the 2022 edition.
Round of 16
The Round of 16 kicked off the knockout stage, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Teams from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean battled for a spot in the quarterfinals. Let's break down each matchup.
Santos de Guápiles vs. New York City FC
The Costa Rican side Santos de Guápiles faced off against New York City FC. The first leg, held in Costa Rica, ended in a 2-0 victory for New York City FC. Talles Magno and Thiago Andrade secured the win for the MLS side, giving them a comfortable lead heading into the second leg. The return leg in New York saw New York City FC dominate again, winning 4-0. Talles Magno scored again, along with goals from Santiago Rodríguez, Héber, and an own goal. New York City FC advanced with a 6-0 aggregate score, showing their dominance and setting a high bar for the rest of the tournament. The attacking prowess of NYCFC was evident, and their organized defense kept Santos de Guápiles at bay throughout both legs.
Forge FC vs. Cruz Azul
Canadian club Forge FC had a tough task against Mexican giants Cruz Azul. The first leg in Canada saw Cruz Azul secure a narrow 1-0 victory, with Romero scoring the decisive goal. Forge FC put up a strong fight, but Cruz Azul's experience proved to be the difference. In the second leg, Cruz Azul sealed their qualification with a 3-1 win at home. Santiago Giménez scored twice, and Rómulo Otero added another, while David Choinière scored a consolation goal for Forge FC. Cruz Azul advanced with a 4-1 aggregate score. Forge FC's journey was commendable, showcasing the growing strength of Canadian soccer, but Cruz Azul's quality was ultimately too much to handle. The Mexican side's ability to control the midfield and convert their chances was key to their success.
Comunicaciones vs. Colorado Rapids
Guatemalan side Comunicaciones faced the Colorado Rapids in another exciting matchup. The first leg in Guatemala City saw Comunicaciones win 1-0, with Juan Anangonó scoring the only goal. The Rapids struggled to break down Comunicaciones' defense in the hostile environment. However, the second leg in Colorado saw the Rapids turn the tie around with a 2-0 victory. Diego Rubio and Gyasi Zardes scored the goals that sent the Rapids through with a 2-1 aggregate score. The altitude in Colorado played a significant role, as Comunicaciones found it difficult to maintain their intensity in the second half. The Rapids' comeback was a testament to their resilience and tactical adjustments.
Santos Laguna vs. CF Montréal
Mexican side Santos Laguna took on CF Montréal in a thrilling contest. The first leg in Torreón saw Santos Laguna win 1-0, with Alberto Ocejo scoring the goal. The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating opportunities. In the second leg, CF Montréal produced a stunning comeback, winning 3-0 at home. Djordje Mihailovic, Romell Quioto, and Joaquín Torres scored the goals that secured Montréal's place in the quarterfinals with a 3-1 aggregate score. CF Montréal's ability to capitalize on their home advantage and their clinical finishing were crucial to their victory. Santos Laguna struggled to replicate their first-leg performance, and Montréal's defense effectively neutralized their attacking threats.
Pumas UNAM vs. Deportivo Saprissa
Pumas UNAM faced Deportivo Saprissa in a highly anticipated clash. The first leg in Costa Rica ended in a 2-2 draw. Marvin Angulo and Christian Bolaños scored for Saprissa, while Washington Corozo and Diogo de Oliveira scored for Pumas. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying attacking intent. In the second leg, Pumas secured a 4-1 victory at home, with Juan Dinenno scoring a hat-trick and Washington Corozo adding another goal. Aubrey David scored a consolation goal for Saprissa. Pumas advanced with a 6-3 aggregate score, showcasing their attacking firepower. Dinenno's clinical finishing and Corozo's creativity were instrumental in Pumas' success. Saprissa's defense struggled to contain Pumas' relentless attacks, leading to their downfall.
León vs. Guastatoya
León faced Guastatoya in a one-sided affair. The first leg in Guatemala saw León win 2-0, with Víctor Dávila and Elías Hernández scoring the goals. León's experience and quality were evident as they controlled the match. The second leg in León saw the Mexican side win 1-0, with Federico Martínez scoring the only goal. León advanced with a 3-0 aggregate score, demonstrating their superiority. Guastatoya struggled to create scoring opportunities, and León's defense remained solid throughout both legs. León's comfortable victory highlighted their status as one of the favorites in the tournament.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Motagua
Seattle Sounders FC took on Motagua in another exciting matchup. The first leg in Honduras ended in a 0-0 draw. Motagua's resilient defense frustrated the Sounders' attack. In the second leg, the Sounders secured a 5-0 victory at home. Nicolás Lodeiro scored a brace, while Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, and Fredy Montero added the other goals. The Sounders advanced with a 5-0 aggregate score. The Sounders' attacking prowess was on full display in the second leg, as they overwhelmed Motagua's defense. Lodeiro's playmaking ability and the Sounders' clinical finishing were key to their victory.
CF Pachuca vs. S.V. Robinhood
CF Pachuca faced S.V. Robinhood in a dominant display. The first leg in Suriname saw Pachuca win 2-0, with Víctor Guzmán and Romario Ibarra scoring the goals. Pachuca's quality was evident as they controlled the match. The second leg in Pachuca saw the Mexican side win 5-0, with Nicolás Ibáñez scoring a hat-trick, and Avilés Hurtado and Jesús Trindade adding the other goals. Pachuca advanced with a 7-0 aggregate score, demonstrating their superiority. S.V. Robinhood struggled to contain Pachuca's relentless attacks, and Pachuca's defense remained solid throughout both legs. Pachuca's comfortable victory highlighted their status as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
Quarterfinals
The Quarterfinals featured some mouth-watering clashes, with teams battling for a place in the semifinals. Let's take a look at how each tie unfolded.
New York City FC vs. Comunicaciones
New York City FC faced Comunicaciones in the quarterfinals. The first leg in Guatemala ended in a 3-1 victory for Comunicaciones, with Andrés Lezcano, Lynner García, and José Corena scoring for the home side, while Talles Magno scored for NYCFC. The second leg in New York saw NYCFC produce a comeback, winning 4-2. Maxi Moralez, Thiago Andrade, Talles Magno, and Alexander Callens scored for NYCFC, while Andrés Lezcano and José Contreras scored for Comunicaciones. The aggregate score was tied 5-5, but New York City FC advanced on away goals. This tie was filled with drama and excitement, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament.
Cruz Azul vs. CF Montréal
Cruz Azul faced CF Montréal in another thrilling quarterfinal matchup. The first leg in Montréal saw the home side win 1-0, with Romell Quioto scoring the only goal. The second leg in Mexico City saw Cruz Azul win 1-0, with Juan Escobar scoring the goal. The aggregate score was tied 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout. CF Montréal won the shootout 3-1, advancing to the semifinals. This tie was a tense and closely contested affair, with both teams displaying defensive solidity. Montréal's goalkeeper, Sebastian Breza, was the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties.
Pumas UNAM vs. New England Revolution
Pumas UNAM faced the New England Revolution in a highly anticipated clash. The first leg in Foxborough ended in a 3-0 victory for the Revolution, with Adam Buksa scoring a hat-trick. The second leg in Mexico City saw Pumas UNAM win 3-0, with Juan Dinenno scoring a hat-trick. The aggregate score was tied 3-3, leading to a penalty shootout. Pumas UNAM won the shootout 4-3, advancing to the semifinals. This tie was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Dinenno's heroics in the second leg were instrumental in Pumas' victory.
León vs. Seattle Sounders FC
León faced Seattle Sounders FC in a tightly contested quarterfinal. The first leg in Seattle ended in a 3-0 victory for the Sounders, with Fredy Montero scoring a brace and Jordan Morris adding another goal. The second leg in León ended in a 1-1 draw, with Fidel Ambríz scoring for León and Cristian Roldan scoring for the Sounders. Seattle Sounders FC advanced with a 4-1 aggregate score. The Sounders' strong performance in the first leg proved to be decisive, as they managed to hold on in the second leg despite León's pressure. Seattle Sounders demonstrated strong tactical discipline and clinical finishing throughout the tie.
Semifinals
The Semifinals brought us even closer to the final, with the remaining teams giving it their all for a chance to lift the trophy.
New York City FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC
In a battle of MLS giants, New York City FC faced Seattle Sounders FC. The first leg in Seattle saw the Sounders win 3-1. Albert Rusnák, Jordan Morris, and Nicolás Lodeiro scored for the Sounders, while Thiago Andrade scored for NYCFC. The second leg in New York ended in a 1-1 draw, with Santiago Rodríguez scoring for NYCFC and Raúl Ruidíaz scoring for the Sounders. Seattle Sounders FC advanced to the final with a 4-2 aggregate score. The Sounders' experience and tactical flexibility proved to be the difference in this tie.
Pumas UNAM vs. CF Montréal
Pumas UNAM faced CF Montréal in the other semifinal. The first leg in Mexico City ended in a 2-0 victory for Pumas, with Juan Dinenno scoring both goals. The second leg in Montréal ended in a 0-0 draw. Pumas UNAM advanced to the final with a 2-0 aggregate score. Pumas' strong defensive performance in the second leg secured their place in the final. Dinenno's clinical finishing in the first leg was crucial to Pumas' success.
Final
The final showdown was between Seattle Sounders FC and Pumas UNAM.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Pumas UNAM
The first leg in Mexico City ended in a 2-2 draw. Juan Dinenno scored twice for Pumas, while Nicolás Lodeiro scored twice for the Sounders, both from penalty kicks. The second leg in Seattle ended in a 3-0 victory for the Sounders, with Raúl Ruidíaz scoring twice and Nicolás Lodeiro adding another goal. Seattle Sounders FC won the final with a 5-2 aggregate score, becoming the champions of the CONCACAF Champions League 2022. The Sounders' victory marked a historic moment for MLS, as they became the first team from the league to win the competition since 2000. Their dominant performance in the final showcased their quality and determination.
Conclusion
The CONCACAF Champions League 2022 was a tournament filled with thrilling matches and memorable moments. From the Round of 16 to the final, teams battled fiercely for a chance to be crowned champions. In the end, it was Seattle Sounders FC who emerged victorious, making history for MLS. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of all the matches and results from the tournament, allowing you to relive the excitement and celebrate the achievements of all the teams involved. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or just catching up on the action, I hope you found this guide informative and enjoyable. Until next time, keep enjoying the beautiful game!
