Philadelphia Union looks to continue its run in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup when they travel to CF Pachuca for the final leg of their Round of 16 matchup in Mexico.
Just a week ago the two sides battled to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the contest. While the Union didn't find the back of the net, it was a remarkable feat with the Union holding the Liga MX side to its first shutout in November 2023. Goalkeeper Andre Blake returned the lineup and made three saves in the CCC contest.
The Union also had quite an interesting lineup with starting center backs Damion Lowe and Jack Elliott unavailable due to suspensions earned in Round One. Everyone will be available for selection in Mexico on Tuesday night, with Head Coach Jim Curtin announcing that leading scorer Julian Carranza will feature in the contest. The Argentine striker has been on fire in front of goal so far in 2024 with four goals scored including a second-half hat trick at Deportivo Saprissa in the first round.
Both teams were scheduled to be in action on Saturday with the Union playing six minutes before the contest was postponed due to weather. CF Pachuca heavily rotated its lineup over the weekend with 10 starters from the first leg not not on the lineup card against Queretaro FC. Despite the vast amount of lineup changes, they still outshot Queretaro by a 18-9 margin but fell by a 2-1 scoreline.
Concacaf Champions Cup adds the extra layer where road goals are even more valuable. After playing to a 0-0 draw, a goal by the Boys in Blue at Pachuca would require the hosts to win the match outright in order to advance as you can see below.
Philly won't be afraid of the environment and can call upon last year's monumental upset at Atlas F.C. in the 2023 CCC. Carranza was the star man once again in front, scoring goals in both halves to grab a 2-2 draw that saw the Union advance.
