Philadelphia Union saw its run in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup conclude in the Round of 16, falling to Club América via a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.
Despite the result, the Boys in Blue represented the badge with pride as they went to Mexico City and battled back for a 1-1 draw. After falling behind six minutes after the opening whistle on a set piece finish from Rodrigo Dourado, the Boys in Blue battled back to earn a penalty kick chance early in the second half. Jesus Bueno converted against one of North America's most prestigeous clubs to set up a tight final 40 minutes.
With one more Union goal swinging the entire aggregate scoreline from the Liga MX side to Philly, the match alas wouldn't gift a third goal in the contest.
Philadelphia Union's back at home on Saturday, March 21st as we celebrate Kids' Day against Chicago Fire FC. The matchday will be family-focused featuring youth experiences, interactive activities, and prizes for young Union fans. Limited tickets remain for the match which can be purchased online here.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
After Club América came to Philly and secured a 1-0 result in Leg 1, Head Coach Bradley Carnell’s side traveled to Mexico City with ground to make up in order to advance, and he crafted an eighth new-look lineup to kick off the uphill battle.
Andrew Rick started in net, as he has through the Union’s entire Concacaf Champions Cup campaign so far, but the back four was unexpected one, with Japhet Sery Larsen playing out of his natural centerback position, instead lining up at right back spot opposite Nathan Harriel on the left. At centerback, Olwethu Makhanya started alongside Geiner Martinez.
Jovan Lukic, Jesus Buen, Indiana Vassilev, Cavan Sulivan, and Milan made up the midfield, while Stas Korzeniowski started the match as a lone striker up top for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
6', Club América goal | Philly's deficit grew early, with a goal from the hosts in the opening 10 minutes. A Geiner Martinez foul gave América a free kick opportunity, and Rodrigo Dourado capitalized on by way of a header off a cross from Raphael Veiga.
22', VAR keeps it 1-0 | As Philly started to grow into the match, a quick flick into space from Patricio Salas sent Álex Zendejas on a solo run against Andrew Rick. The USMNT hopeful chipped the Union keeper but after a lengthy stoppage the Video Assistant Referee system found the midfielder offside on the build up.
29', Yellow card | The first caution of Wednesday night's affair was shown to Club América's Sebastián Cáceres after he collided Nathan Harrield as he made a darting run into the box.
39', Big save from Rick | The home side sought to punch their ticket to the Quarterfinals in the first half as Érick Sánchez set up a pass to Salas for a quick shot but homegrown Andrew Rick was quick to make the stop.
45+', Chance by Stas | Two minutes were added to the opening half and it brought the Union their first scoring chance of the night. Quick and direct passing saw Cavan Sullivan draw the defense in before laying it off for Korzeniowski but a tough first touch saw not much behind the shot as the keeper raced out and made the save.
45+', VAR overturns penalty kick | After successfully defending a corner kick from the Union, América launched one final attack which ended with a blast from Sánchez that was blocked by Lukic. The referee quickly pointed to the spot but once again VAR intervened with a clear and obvious shot that showed the ball was blocked by the midfielder's side.
46', Halftime changes | During the break, Head Coach Bradley Carnell made a pair of changes bringing on homegrown Frankie Westfield in place of Geiner Martinez while Bruno Damiani took over for Stas Korzeniowski.
48', Penalty to the Union | The change to the lineup paid dividends early as Westfield raced into the box and was taken down from behind by Zendejas.
49', Union goal | Jesus Bueno confidently stepped up to the spot and converted with a hard shot along the grass that kept the keeper frozen to his spot.
60', Union momentum grows | At the hour mark Phily nearly found a second as Cavan Sullivan cut into the box and ripped a centering pass as he was driven near the end line. The ball trickled through the box and into the path of a hard run by Harriel but the defender saw his shot with too much weight behind it.
63', Union substitution | Carnell's first change during the second half came in the midfield with Danley replacing Cavan Sullivan just past the 60-minute mark.
72', Union substitution | Needing a goal to flip the aggregate scoreline in their favor, Carnell make another offensively minded change sending in Union II forward Malik Jakupovic in place of Vassilev.
81', Final Union change | Carnell's final substitution of the evening came on the defensive end with Philippe Ndinga going in at left back in place of Japhet Sery.
87', Union push for a second | With a focus on the left side of the opposition's defense, a trio of quick passes got Bueno into space where he was able to tee up a hard cross centerally into the penalty area. The ball sprayed to Jakupovic but had too much behind it as he was unable to get a proper shot on it.
90'+, Stoppage Time | Four minutes were added to the final half of the match and in the dying moments the Boys in Blue were presented on last chance to snag a second as Damiani earned a free kick. With every player pushed into the box, the final cross was punched clear by the home side.
