2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals [R]

Discussion in 'MLS: News & Analysis' started by Paul Calixte, Jan 8, 2014.

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Which team has the best chance of reaching the Champions League semifinals?

Poll closed Mar 5, 2014.
  1. San Jose Earthquakes

    7 vote(s)
    7.0%
  2. LA Galaxy

    46 vote(s)
    46.0%
  3. Sporting Kansas City

    47 vote(s)
    47.0%
  1. deejay

    deejay Member+

    Feb 14, 2000
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    Club:
    Jorge Wilstermann
    Nat'l Team:
    Bolivia
    I figured so. But y'know this is New and Analysis. He shouldn't do that so I answered seriously because I know he was trolling for the opposite.

    You too, you shouldn't come in here to start a debate. Show some dispassionate analysis and it will go good for all of us. I guess though it's too late.
     
  2. ceezmad

    ceezmad Member+

    Mar 4, 2010
    Chicago
    Club:
    Chicago Red Stars
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Dude was just trolling not being serious.
     
  3. deejay

    deejay Member+

    Feb 14, 2000
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    Club:
    Jorge Wilstermann
    Nat'l Team:
    Bolivia
    I know it.
     
  4. deejay

    deejay Member+

    Feb 14, 2000
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    Club:
    Jorge Wilstermann
    Nat'l Team:
    Bolivia
    So, just focusing on this year (since that's the thread topic) I think we're pretty much screwed this year. The first round was not really that great and the matchups are just not pretty this year. Kansas City might have more of a chance.
     
  5. tab5g

    tab5g Member+

    May 17, 2002
    I don't buy into the argument that MLS is "pretty much screwed this year" in the knockout rounds of the CCL.

    With three opportunities in the QFs, I'd have to believe that at least 1 MLS club will reach the semifinals -- and honestly, I think (perhaps naively) that MLS has maybe a 50/50 chance of getting two clubs into the semifinals.

    Having to play all of the QF second legs in Mexico certainly is a challenge, but I think some of the recent success that the USMNT has had in Mexico might be a beneficial/encouraging factor for MLS clubs playing on the road there in 2014.
     
    harrylee773 repped this.
  6. deejay

    deejay Member+

    Feb 14, 2000
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    Club:
    Jorge Wilstermann
    Nat'l Team:
    Bolivia
    We were not that great in the first round and we finished up in the bottom half of the bracket. That means all of the Mexican teams defend the result at home. It's a big advantage.
     
  7. It's called FOOTBALL

    LMX Clubs
    Mexico
    May 4, 2009
    Chitown
    It's only nonsensical if that something happens. We won't know until years down the road. What we do know is that there have been many failed predictions in this subforum regarding this issue, with posts having declared that the gap will be closed by 2007, 2010 and 2015. The 2015 ones still have hope. The others, not so much.
     
  8. BLRNerd

    BLRNerd Member

    Jan 5, 2014
    Club:
    Seattle Sounders
    I think either LA Galaxy or SKC will get into the Semis. I think LA Galaxy has the better chance given veteran experience. SKC has playoff experience as well with the MLS Cup so if they do I wouldn't be surprised.

    If 3 MLS clubs into the next round (Not Expecting it), I would welcome that. It'd be sweet to see an American Club in the Champs League final.
     
  9. Nico Limmat

    Nico Limmat Member+

    Oct 24, 1999
    Dubai, UAE
    Club:
    Grasshopper Club Zürich
    Nat'l Team:
    Switzerland
  10. ceezmad

    ceezmad Member+

    Mar 4, 2010
    Chicago
    Club:
    Chicago Red Stars
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    So ChivasUSA gets no love? :D
     
  11. sweethome_bama

    Jul 21, 2013
    Orange County
    Club:
    Los Angeles Galaxy
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    The LA/TJ series is getting lots of buzz in Southern Cali. Everyone (into soccer) is talking about it.
     
  12. jamtime

    jamtime Member

    Jan 14, 2007
    Club:
    Los Angeles Galaxy
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Back on topic. I may be a little biased, but I think the Galaxy have the best shot of the three teams. For one, travel isn't a big issue. In fact, this is our closest away trip all season. Secondly, Tijuana seems to be struggling of late and their roster isn't nearly as good as it was when they clinched their berth into the tournament. The Galaxy, on the other hand, have strengthened their roster considerably. With the addition of Samuel, who's looking great btw, the Galaxy now have a skilled target forward for Keane to run off of which allows Donovan to move back to lm, which will completely transform the once stagnant midfield. That being said, it certainly won't be easy. The Galaxy have a lot of new pieces to integrate into their offense and not a lot of time to do it. Not to mention the fact that TJ is a tough place to play and you know damn well that their will be way more Xolos fans in attendance for the game in LA, than Galaxy fans.
     
  13. jamtime

    jamtime Member

    Jan 14, 2007
    Club:
    Los Angeles Galaxy
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Yeah. I know a lot of Galaxy fans, myself included, are making the trip down.
     
    Unak78 repped this.
  14. AlbertCamus

    AlbertCamus Member+

    Colorado Rapids
    Sep 2, 2005
    Colorado, USA
    Club:
    Colorado Rapids
    A Br
    I agree. A Brazil second 23 team would be in the top 10 in the world.
     
  15. edwardgr

    edwardgr Moderator
    Staff Member

    Mar 6, 2006
    Seattle
    Club:
    Seattle Sounders
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I have moved all of the GC/WCQ and if you wish to continue that argument you can find it here. Please do not continue it within this thread.
     
    Oobers, redinthemorning, deejay and 9 others repped this.
  16. deejay

    deejay Member+

    Feb 14, 2000
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    Club:
    Jorge Wilstermann
    Nat'l Team:
    Bolivia
    Less than three weeks until the CCL playoffs. I expect that the March 5th USMNT friendly will be for Euro-based players only so no problems on that angle. Cruz Azul and Toluca are tearing up the Clausura so expect a strong showing. Tijuana OTOH seem lackluster. Also, Tijuana being where it is just doesn't have the same home advantage. Tijuana is a 2 hour drive from LA. I expect a tight game in that series.
     
  17. ArsenalMetro

    ArsenalMetro Member+

    United States
    Aug 5, 2008
    Chicago, IL
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    Given that it's the last friendly date before the World Cup, I highly doubt that. Donovan, Gonzalez, Besler, etc. will all be there.
     
  18. deejay

    deejay Member+

    Feb 14, 2000
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    Club:
    Jorge Wilstermann
    Nat'l Team:
    Bolivia
    Maybe, but then again why schedule the April 2 friendly against Mexico? It's specifically a non-FIFA date and as such can only be attended by players from MLS and Liga MX.
     
  19. Nico Limmat

    Nico Limmat Member+

    Oct 24, 1999
    Dubai, UAE
    Club:
    Grasshopper Club Zürich
    Nat'l Team:
    Switzerland
    #44 Nico Limmat, Feb 21, 2014
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2014
    Longest consecutive winning streak in each confederation's premier club competition.

    CONCACAF:
    8 – Mexico (ongoing)

    UEFA:
    6 – England (end of streak 1982)

    CONMEBOL:
    4 – Brazil (ongoing); Argentina (end of streak 1970 and 1975)

    OFC:
    4 – New Zealand (end of streak 2009)

    CAF:
    3 – Cameroon (end of streak 1980)

    AFC:
    3 – South Korea (end of streak 1998)

    Liga MX is in the process of building a world record that even New Zealand will struggle to break.
     
  20. ArsenalMetro

    ArsenalMetro Member+

    United States
    Aug 5, 2008
    Chicago, IL
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    $$$$$$$

    Lots of other reasons though. It's a chance to look at guys in MLS when they're in season, rather than in January. Will give Klinsmann a chance to give them one final look-over before he names his preliminary squad. Plus, it will give Bradley and Dempsey some extra time with the MLS contingent. Also, the domestic Mexican squad is pretty good, and not too far off from their full-strength XI, so playing them serves as a pretty solid test of how the MLS players will be able to step up against better opposition.
     
  21. deejay

    deejay Member+

    Feb 14, 2000
    Tarpon Springs, FL
    Club:
    Jorge Wilstermann
    Nat'l Team:
    Bolivia
    Yes, money is a good reason. However, the point is that the way those friendlies are organized points to a Euro camp followed by a NA camp. More like the last audition for all bubble players before choosing the full roster.
     
  22. ArsenalMetro

    ArsenalMetro Member+

    United States
    Aug 5, 2008
    Chicago, IL
    Club:
    Arsenal FC
    Very possible. Guess we'll find out soon. :)
     
  23. EvanJ

    EvanJ Member+

    Manchester United
    United States
    Mar 30, 2004
    Club:
    Manchester United FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    blacksun repped this.
  24. TheRustyEunuch

    Oct 16, 2007
    Medellín
    Club:
    Real Salt Lake
    I think Galaxy get through for sure...
     
    esco300 repped this.
  25. tab5g

    tab5g Member+

    May 17, 2002
    MLS will break that record. No problem. (Just give it time.)
     
    esco300 repped this.

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