United head to Estadio Corregidora Tuesday to face Querétaro F.C. in the quarterfinals of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League on February 23. While this is the second year in a row United have reached the knockout stage of the competition, the Black-and-Red are looking to improve on last year’s performance and advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2008. However, getting off to a fast start has been historically difficult for MLS sides, who finish their preseason camps days prior.
Recently, United have put up a strong showing in the group stage of this competition. In the past two years of the competition United boast a record of 7-1-0 with a +11 goal differential.
Last year, United were the number one seed heading into the quarterfinals, drawn against Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense. With little time to prepare and many players still recovering from offseason injuries, United faced a daunting task on the road in the first leg. The fast pace and rate of play proved to be overwhelming and the Black-and-Red lost the first match 5-2. However, United proved they can get results against continental opponents, winning the home leg 2-1.
NEW ADDITIONS
Over the past several months, United have acquired key components to an already strong lineup that will hopefully propel them to the next stage. Midfielders Marcelo Sarvas and Patrick Nyarko have been brought in and bring veteran SCCL and MLS experience to the squad. Sarvas, who played for both LA Galaxy and LD Alajuelense, has extensive experience in the continental competition. A box-to-box midfielder that can dictate the tempo and intensity of the game, Marcelo also brings creativity and can even score a goal or two.
Speaking of creativity, the addition of Argentinian attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta has United looking quite deadly in attack. Acosta was acquired on loan from Argentine giants Boca Juniors two weeks ago and is already making his presence felt, providing the assist to attacking partner and fellow Argentine Fabián EspÃndola. If United are to break down the Querétaro, EspÃndola and Acosta will need to use their creative instincts and connect early and often in the attacking third.
Acquiring depth is always necessary, but United can also rely on a bevy of veterans from last years SCCL run. EspÃndola led United with 5 goals in last year’s tournament and will look to continue his scoring ways after a strong preseason. Andrew Dykstra has been highly motivated and playing some of his best soccer this preseason camp as he takes over the starting role in net. Nick DeLeon has been moved inside to CM, providing even more energy and work rate in the center of midfield to combine with new acquisitions. Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell continue to grow as one of the strongest center back pairings in the league and will carry that relationship into the knockout stage.
WHO ARE QUERÉTARO F.C.?
As for Querétaro, this is the Liga MX side’s first time in the SCCL. A lack of experience may hurt them over the two legs, but a good performance in the first leg on Mexican soil could create some momentum for Gallos Blancos. QRO currently sit 11th in the table, struggling to find their form early on in the Clausura. However, on February 19, Querétaro were pitted against Mexican powerhouse Tigres (also in the SCCL) in Liga MX. In a match featuring high energy and pace from both sides, los Gallos earned a 2-2 draw while resting some of their starters, including striker Emanuel Villa and SCCL veteran winger Edgar Benitez (who only featured for 60 minutes). Villa, a 33-year-old Argentinian (he turns 34 the day after the match), currently leads the SCCL in goals scored with six, and is also well-known for his hold-up play in the attacking third. The rest and positive momentum heading into Tuesday could prove difficult for United, but the matchup is still the most favorable in knockout stage when compared to the three other MLS v Liga MX matchups, and United should feel optimistic heading into the first leg.
Head coach Ben Olsen has an extremely strong core under his belt after two consecutive seasons of both MLS playoffs and SCCL contending squads. That fairly consistent core, combined with strong acquisitions provides a promising outlook for this years knockout stage. While having to play on the road in Mexico is never easy, United has depth at nearly every position with versatility to adjust positions and lineups as needed. Returning to RFK for the second leg after a long preseason in Florida will also help provide a spark. If there was ever a year for United to make a run deep into the knockout stage, this is it.
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