Atlanta United fell to Club America 3-0 in Leg One of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals. America scored all three goals in the first half, and despite 58 percent possession and 11 shot attempts in the second half, Atlanta was unable to find a breakthrough. The return leg is scheduled for March 18 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw.
Club America took the lead in the 11th minute with a notable goal from Leonardo Suarez. Off an attempted clearance from a corner kick, Suarez settled the ball from about 30 yards out and sent a left-footed shot into the upper right corner to beat a diving Brad Guzan. America doubled the lead just two minutes later, as Henry Martin was played through from Richard Sanchez. Martin’s first touch went to the far post, leaving no chance for a save.
Bruno Valdes made it 3-0 in the 36th minute as America added to its lead from a corner kick. Sanchez sent a ball to the middle of the penalty area where Valdes headed it perfectly to the near post, again leaving Guzan without a chance.
Atlanta controlled most of the second half with 58 percent possession and 11 attempted shots, four of which were on target. Atlanta’s best chance may have come from Pity Martinez, who hit the crossbar on a free kick in the 86th minute. In addition, Martinez, Ezequiel Barco and Manuel Castro each had attempts on target in the second half, but America goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez kept a clean sheet.
Atlanta is scheduled to return to action in MLS Regular Season play on Saturday, March 14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Sporting Kansas City (7:00 p.m., FOX Sports Southeast, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).
MATCH RESOURCES
MATCH INFO
Scotiabank Concacaf Champions Quarterfinals | Leg One
Club America 3, Atlanta United 0
Estadio Azteca
Mexico City, Mexico
STATS
Shots: 18-17 Club America
Shots on Target: 7-5 Atlanta
Corner kicks: 8-5 Atlanta
Fouls committed: 13-11 Club America
Clearances: 14-13 Club America
Offside: 1-0 Club America
Possession: 57-43 Club America
Passing Accuracy: 90-81 Club America
SCORING SUMMARY
AME – Leonardo Suarez 11’ [HIGHLIGHT]
AME – Henry Martin (Richard Sanchez) 13’ [HIGHLIGHT]
AME – Bruno Valdes (Richard Sanchez) 36’ [HIGHLIGHT]
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
ATL – Jake Mulraney (yellow) 42’
AME – Bruno Valdes (yellow) 64’
ATLANTA UNITED STARTING LINEUP
Brad Guzan; Anton Walkes, Fernando Meza, Jeff Larentowicz ©; Jake Mulraney (Adam Jahn – 66’), Emerson Hyndman, Mo Adams, Eric Remedi (Matheus Rossetto – HT, Manuel Castro – 58’), Brooks Lennon; Gonzalo MartÃnez, Ezequiel Barco.
Substitutes not used: Alec Kann, George Bello, George Campbell, J.J. Williams.
CLUB AMERICA STARTING LINEUP
Oscar Jimenez; Luis Fuentes, Jorge Sanchez, Bruno Valdez ©, Emanuel Aguilera; Santiago Caseres (Fernando Gonzalez – 89’), Richard Sanchez, Leonardo Suarez, Giovani dos Santos; Andres Ibargüen (Francisco Córdova – 57’), Henry Martin.
Substitutes not used: Guillermo Ochoa, Alonso Escoboza, Martinez, Federico Viñas, Ramon Juarez,
ATTENDANCE
20,731
OFFICIALS
John Pitti (referee), Christian Ramirez (assistant), Ronald (assistant), Jose Kellys (fourth).
TEAM NOTES
- Matheus Rossetto entered the match at halftime for Eric Remedi but was forced off due to injury in the 58th minute. He completed all nine of his passes while on the pitch.
- Manuel Castro subbed on for Rossetto and also had a successful night passing, going 10-of-11.
- Ezequiel Barco had a game-high eight recoveries.
- Anton Walkes led the team with three clearances.
- Bruno Valdes picked up his second yellow card of the 2020 Concacaf Champions League and will miss the return leg for accumulation.
