This week the return leg for each quarterfinal match took place between MLS and LigaMX teams. Once again all 4 MLS teams are eliminated.
DC United vs Queretaro
This 2nd leg took place in Washington DC and Queretaro got the tie 1-1. DC United couldn’t defend their home turf and lost the series with an aggregate 3-1. I would consider these teams as lower level, less interesting teams, so lets move on.
Santos vs LA Galaxy
This one had some drama. Santos goalkeeper, Marchesin, make a lame remark to Gio Dos Santos, calling him “Borracho”. Not really a relevant insult and I am not sure that Gio did anything bad to him. The insult took off, however, and Gio was greeted in Torreon with the same insult. So now all the fans were insulting the former National Team hero. A bit awkward? Its just a rivalry. This was a club match, not the NT. Santos fans took advantage of the insult to attempt to get underneath Gio’s skin. Gio even made a comment saying that Marchesin was an unknown player just like his team. So much drama.
The game ended up in a blow out, 4-0. Giovanni played up top but didn’t end up doing much.
America vs Sounders
The Aguilas played in Azteca vs Sounders. Seattle came out with a goal, but it was an own goal. Then America went off and scored 3 goals to finish Clint Dempsey and his team. Jordan Morris, didn’t show much, but did have one run that ended in a heel pass, but was ruined by a fellow teammate.
Dempsey was able to take a “recuerdo” back home from Mexico as Sambueza stepped on his head with his cleat.
Real Salt Lake vs Tigres
This game was the most competitive. Tigres was up 2-0 from the previous game in Monterrey, but RSL came out with the first goal to go up 1-0. RSL had other opportunities and looked better. Tuca later went on the defensive, and took out some of his offensive options. In the end, however, Gignac got a goal beating a floating Rimando to tie the game 1-1 and take the series.
Fail once again for MLS.
Some issues I have with the aftermath, is that the excuses still remain. It was preseason, the salary cap, etc. These excuses have existed for many years, yet no motivation to change. DC United and LA Galaxy posted controversial tweets, indicating they didn’t even care about the tournament.
The US press doesn’t care or pressure or complain about these poor performances and just act as cheerleaders. Sometimes things will only change if you light a fire under peoples arses. I don’t see MLS becoming the best league in the World anytime soon.
If you have a few minutes and want to listen to a ridiculous debate (in Spanish) between some Univision analysts, here you go. It is pretty laughable and I wonder if they set it all up for each to have their opposing positions. (credit to colima for posting the vid)