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What happened?: Atlas scored almost immediately and that was that.
So, did we learn anything?: I wonāt pretend to act surprised here. Itās been a long year in Toronto.
What happened?: Carlos Coronel saved a stoppage-time penalty, and, almost immediately after, Dante Vanzeir scored a late winner to give the Red Bulls the top spot in East 4.
So, did we learn anything?: In the end, Vanzeirās late goal didnāt mean much for New York. They were through with a draw. What it did do though is set up a surprise Hudson River Derby against NYCFC on Aug. 3 at Red Bull Arena. You have to appreciate all involved for having a sense of theater about them.
What happened?: QuerƩtaro won and advanced.
So, did we learn anything?: Donāt think so. Both of these teams were a long, long way from competing with Philadelphia in this group. QuerĆ©taro will have to be sharper in the next round against Pumas.
What happened?: The Galaxy imploded and Vancouver scored two late goals to seal a win and a spot in the knockout round.
So, did we learn anything?: The Galaxy are remarkably snake-bit. Maybe we can throw them in the pile with the other teams happy to get a break and reset before the season resumes, but it feels generous on our part. The Galaxy could have used a little momentum here. Instead, they crashed out in the least encouraging way possible. They didnāt pick up a point over two games and lost midfielder Gaston Brugman for an extended period to injury.
What happened?: Seattle had a perfect start and a less-than-perfect everything else.
So, did we learn anything?: Man. Just when you think this Seattle team is going to put it together they go out and doā¦absolutely not that. The first six minutes were magic. But this yearās group is just missingā¦something. It remains very hard to pinpoint exactly what. Itās frustrating from afar, I imagine itās more than that in Seattle.Ā
Anyway, Monterrey are terrifying. They cruised through a group with two of the top teams in the West. I think itās fair to call them the favorites in this competition. Good luck to the Timbers in the knockout round against them.
What happened?: An early Tigres goal sealed the deal.
So, did we learn anything?: Donāt think so. Tigres are Tigres. Thatās the end of the road for the Quakes though.
The group stage comes to a close tonight. Hereās what to keep an eye out for. With a little help of course from the Daily Kickoffās famous watchability meter, The Plusometer.
Club AmƩrica vs. Columbus Crew | 8 pm ET
WATCH ON: Apple TV - MLS Season Pass
Plusometer score: 42/50
This one would have been higher, but both teams have already advanced to the knockout round. Still, itās a huge test for the Crew. Theyāll want to put their best foot forward against the biggest team on the continent.
Club Puebla vs. Chicago Fire FC | 8 pm ET
WATCH ON: Apple TV - MLS Season Pass, FS1
Plusometer score: 22/50
Chicago are at the top of the group after a win over Minnesota. Theyād have to do something relatively spectacular (i.e. lose by three or more goals) to miss out on the knockout round. Puebla need a huge win.
CD Toluca vs. Colorado Rapids | 9:30 pm ET
WATCH ON: **Apple TV - Free**
Plusometer score: 23/50
Toluca put four up on Nashville the other night. That doesnāt bode well for the Rapids, who need to either win by two or win by one and score a ton of goals to have any hope of surviving.
Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Sporting KC | 10 pm ET
WATCH ON: **Apple TV - Free**, UniMas, FS1
Plusometer score: 30/50
Winner moves on here. Neither team were at their best defensively against Cincinnati in their first game, but SKC were at least able to find the back of the net a few times. Weāll see if they can keep that momentum going against Chivas.
- The Whitecaps are eager for their Leagues Cup knockout date with Tigres, a "giant of Concacaf".
- A defiant Red Bulls side advanced to the knockout round.
- Take a look at the latest updated Leagues Cup bracket.
Good luck out there. It doesnāt have to be pretty to be a winner.