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MLS sides made emphatic statements in the first legs of their CONCACAF Champions Cup ties.
Philadelphia Union delivered a five-goal surge in Trinidad and Tobago, while FC Cincinnati handled business comfortably in the Dominican Republic. Both clubs now carry commanding aggregate advantages into their home legs later this month.
These weren’t narrow road wins. They were performances built on depth, finishing efficiency, and second-half control.
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Five-goal and four-goal first-leg margins shift series dynamics immediately. At this stage, the conversation moves from survival to game management.
Philadelphia’s dominant road result sets up a likely showdown with Club America. Cincinnati’s cushion gives it flexibility before a potential meeting with Tigres UANL.
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Second legs often bring rotation decisions and tactical conservatism from teams holding large leads. Clubs trailing by multiple goals may push numbers forward, opening space for counterattacks.
Understanding aggregate context is critical before placing positions. Compare expert projections and trends on the picks leaderboard.
Top Takeaways
- Philadelphia outshot Defence Force 8-1 on target in a five-goal road performance.
- Bruno Damiani delivered a brace off the bench to extend the margin.
- A red card late compounded Defence Force’s struggles.
- FC Cincinnati built separation early and sealed it late.
- Both MLS sides now control their series heading into home second legs.
Concacaf Game Recaps
Philadelphia Union vs Defence Force Recap: Philadelphia wins 5-0
Philadelphia seized control with a set-piece strike in the 30th minute when Milan Iloski curled a free kick inside the near post. Just two minutes later, Ezekiel Alladoh doubled the lead with a header.
The second half turned decisive. Olwethu Makhanya rose high to head in Iloski’s corner at the 64-minute mark. Substitute Bruno Damiani added two more goals — first converting Cavan Sullivan’s sharp pass in the 69th minute, then finishing from the penalty spot in the 81st.
Philadelphia dominated statistically, registering eight shots on target compared to one for Defence Force. A straight red card to Joevin Jones in stoppage time capped a frustrating night for the hosts.
FC Cincinnati vs O&M FC Recap: FC Cincinnati wins 4-0
FC Cincinnati established control early. Tom Barlow opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing a rebound from long range. Kevin Denkey doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute with a 20-yard effort that slipped through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Late substitutions added insurance. Ayoub Jabbari scored in the 86th minute from a tight angle before blasting in a half-volley in stoppage time to seal the 4-0 victory.
The Orange and Blue now head home with a commanding aggregate position and clear path toward the next round.
Looking Ahead
With dominant first-leg leads secured, both MLS clubs now shift from aggression to control. Avoiding complacency becomes the next test.
If these margins hold, Philadelphia will face Club America in the round of 16, while Cincinnati would meet Tigres UANL. The level rises quickly from here.
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