PREVIEW – Club America gears up for their upcoming first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal this week. MLS’s New England Revolution will be America’s next big hurtle in this competition. Making the atmosphere leading up to this game thick with anticipation for kickoff. Whilst already having a fair share of controversy even before a ball is kicked in Gillette Stadium. A fixture that surely will be a challenge for Las Aguilas who are dealing with injuries. Yet the stature of Club America means there’s no excuses in this competition that they’ve devoted to winning this season.
Concacaf Champions Cup Preview: New England Revolution vs Club America Quarterfinal First Leg
A Strange Forfeited Advantage
In an unprecedented move that caught the eyes of all Concacaf, New England Revolution relinquished their right to host the second leg of the quarterfinals. Why did they do this? Well the team announced that it was due to Stadium scheduling conflict. Initially many suspected it was due to the Super Cross event at Gillette stadium. Although that event was actually scheduled four days after the second leg date which is April 9. In reality, a spring expo organized by NEPPA was the reason New England had to forfeit their hosting right. This decision sparked wide speculation and surprise all over the internet. This also marked a rare occurrence in Concacaf’s history, potentially shifting the series’ momentum in favor of Club America, all thanks to the New England Promotional Product Association.
Ok let me shed some light into this situation:
The switch wasn’t bc of the Supercross on the 13th or bc America bribed Concacaf (although that’s my favorite narrative)
No it’s because @GilletteStadium has NEPPA’s Spring Expo that day…#AguilasEng 🦅 #ChampionsCup https://t.co/5IOWfMKwpP pic.twitter.com/dAFdJwEv0j
— Ivan Pineda (@IvanPineda83) March 15, 2024
Club America: Form and Strategy Amidst Challenges
Despite a recent loss in a friendly against Cruz Azul, Club America got back to winning ways this past Friday as they beat Atlético San Luis 2-1 and secured important points in the league. Club America managed to secure their spot in the quarterfinals with a mixed performance against Chivas. A stellar 3-0 victory in the first leg was enough to counterbalance a 3-2 defeat in the return match. Showcasing America’s resilience and tactical depth in a tough contested match. With key players sidelined due to injuries, Manager, André Jardine, might pivot to a 4-3-3 formation. Focusing on quick passes and leveraging speed to disrupt New England’s defense. With hopes pinned on Henry Martin and Javairô Dilrosun’s impact up front, America have a difficult test ahead of them.
Job done on a Friday night 🌙 #AguilasEng 🦅 #ClubAmerica pic.twitter.com/vQEHRwKfUP
— The Eagle Eye Podcast (@EagleEyePodcast) March 30, 2024
The Revolution’s Rocky Road
New England Revolution approaches this clash on the back end of a bye week, potentially lacking match rhythm. Their recent domestic performance and form has been less than stellar. Sitting at the bottom of the league with a solitary point that came from a draw against the Chicago Fire. However, their unbeaten run in the Concacaf Champions Cup is something this team will be proud of. Boasting three wins and a draw, serves as a testament to their potential to cause an upset against Club America.
Injury Concerns and Squad Depth
Injury woes have not spared Club America, with key contributors like Alejandro Zendejas and Álvaro Fidalgo sidelined. The squad’s depth will be tested, with Julian Quiñones’ availability hanging in the balance. These absences necessitate strategic adjustments, potentially shaping the match’s outcome. Jardine has a tough task at hand, seeing as a storm of matches quickly approaches him yet again. Managing player fatigue and finding the right strategy to over come New England will be no easy ask.
Read More: Club America Injury Woes Ahead of Busy Schedule
Last Word as the New England Revolution Faces Club America
As Club America and New England Revolution brace for a confrontation in a quarterfinal tussle, several narratives unfold. For America, this match is an opportunity to exploit a strategic upper hand gained from the Revolution’s forfeited hosting rights. This coupled with the aim to overcome their injury-induced limitations. For the fans, this encounter promises a blend of high stakes, strategic chess, and the unpredictable magic of football, where resilience, ingenuity, and the sheer will to win will dictate the narrative.
As the teams prepare for kickoff, all eyes will be on how these dynamics play out on the field, with Club America looking to advance their quest for continental glory amidst a backdrop of controversy, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports, of a New England Revolution Fans Headshot, on March 23, 2024.
