Looks like the only suspense left in this lackluster group stage is whether Houston can survive in Panama and who will win group five. Olimpia just can't seem to get it done against MLS opposition. A very disappointing couple of years from them
Keep in mind, though, that there are two simultaneous competitions at hand, within each group and among the eventual group leaders; knockout-round seeding will be at play until the very last game.
It is. In the Champions League era, Honduran clubs lead UNCAF with 3 Quarterfinal appearances. Costa Rican and Guatemalan clubs have 2 each, Panamanian and El Salvadoran clubs have 1 each, and Belizan/Belizean (what's the word?) and Nicaraguan clubs have none.
LA didn't look super against Cartagines at their own home and they have a history of failing against teams they are supposed to beat, it's by no means locked up for LA.
Guatemala rising! Last year they topped a LigaMX team, this year (likely) two MLS teams. Sucks b/c I like the Earthquakes, but good for Heredia. =-)
Group 1 looks like it will be decided in the last game at Panama but only if Arabe Unido win at W Connection Group 2 is virtually sealed by SKC. Group 3 To be decide in the last game at Costa Rica. Group 4 advantage America Group 5 headed to a three way tie! Group 6 has Toluca well in control Group 7 is virtually sealed by Tijuana Group 8 advantage LA
The potential knockout round halfway through (although Tijuana and Cartago have played one more game than everyone else): Club Tijuana (MEX) vs. Club América (MEX) Toluca FC (MEX) vs. Héredia (GUA) --- Cruz Azul (MEX) vs. Cartaginés (CRC) Sporting Kansas City (USA) vs. Houston Dynamo (USA)
LD Alajualense surprised me yesterday, well deserved win even with that questionable penalty, but well deserved win nonetheless. Still, with this loss Club America will just be more dangerous at home, they will destroy their opposition at Azteca.
...having said that, if both of them beat San Miguelito next month, Liga will only need a tie at the Azteca to win the group on head-to-head.
There's the thing, even thought is not impossible, it's very unlikely for Club America not winning at home against non-LigaMX CCL competition.
Well, 1-1 now. The fact that SKC wasn't up 2-0 at the half is embarrasing, given how much control they had and how flat Esteli has been...
KC missed lots of chances, and Esteli did everything but score an own goal to try and lose this game.