Atlanta United fell to Club America 3-0 in Leg One of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals. America scored all three goals in the first half, and despite 58 percent possession and 11 shot attempts in the second half, Atlanta was unable to find a breakthrough. The return leg is scheduled for March 18 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw.
Club America took the lead in the 11th minute with a notable goal from Leonardo Suarez. Off an attempted clearance from a corner kick, Suarez settled the ball from about 30 yards out and sent a left-footed shot into the upper right corner to beat a diving Brad Guzan. America doubled the lead just two minutes later, as Henry Martin was played through from Richard Sanchez. Martin’s first touch went to the far post, leaving no chance for a save.
Bruno Valdes made it 3-0 in the 36th minute as America added to its lead from a corner kick. Sanchez sent a ball to the middle of the penalty area where Valdes headed it perfectly to the near post, again leaving Guzan without a chance.
Atlanta controlled most of the second half with 58 percent possession and 11 attempted shots, four of which were on target. Atlanta’s best chance may have come from Pity Martinez, who hit the crossbar on a free kick in the 86th minute. In addition, Martinez, Ezequiel Barco and Manuel Castro each had attempts on target in the second half, but America goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez kept a clean sheet.
Atlanta is scheduled to return to action in MLS Regular Season play on Saturday, March 14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Sporting Kansas City (7:00 p.m., FOX Sports Southeast, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD
***UPDATE***
MLS and CONCACAF have suspended matches until further notice
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