Raphael Veiga had the final touch on an excellent team goal as Club America beat the Philadelphia Union 1-0 on Tuesday in Chester, Pa., in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 match.
The teams will complete the two-game, total-goal series on March 18 in Mexico City. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal matchup against either Nashville SC or Inter Miami.
In the 20th minute, Club America strung together a series of impressive passes, with Brian Rodriguez running onto the ball as he split two defenders and drove toward the 18-yard box. Rodriguez squared the ball to Veiga, who set himself with his first touch and then fired in a 14-yard half-volley into the top left corner of the net.
The Union wound up with a 9-7 advantage in total shots, but the visitors didn’t put any attempts on target.
Philadelphia goalie Andrew Rick made two saves.
Club America goalkeeper Angel Malagon got hurt late in the first half and was replaced by Rodolfo Cota. Neither was credited with a save.
–Field Level Media
