Seattle Sounders vs. Cruz Azul: A Thrilling Stalemate in the Concacaf Champions Cup

 Seattle Sounders vs. Cruz Azul: A Thrilling Stalemate in the Concacaf Champions Cup

March 06, 2025 - The Seattle Sounders and Cruz Azul faced off last night in a highly anticipated first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 at Lumen Field, and fans were treated to an intense, albeit scoreless, 0-0 draw. With the second leg looming in Mexico City next week, this matchup has set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to determine who advances to the quarterfinals. Here’s the latest news and insights from this gripping encounter.
Match Recap: A Defensive Masterclass
The Sounders welcomed Liga MX powerhouse Cruz Azul to Seattle on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, for the opening leg of their Round of 16 tie. Despite both teams fielding strong lineups, neither could find the back of the net in a match defined by stout defending and missed opportunities. The game kicked off at 7:30 p.m. PT, with Seattle looking to capitalize on their home advantage and Cruz Azul aiming to secure a result on the road.
The first half saw Cruz Azul dominate possession early, putting the Sounders' backline under pressure. However, Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei and the defense held firm, thwarting several dangerous moves. As the half progressed, the Sounders found their rhythm, creating two notable chances just before the break, though Cruz Azul’s Kevin Mier stood tall in goal.
The second half brought more excitement. In the 51st minute, Sounders fans thought they had the breakthrough when Pedro de la Vega capitalized on a Mier error outside the box, slotting the ball home—only for the referee to disallow the goal, likely for an offside or foul in the buildup. Later, substitutes like Georgi Minoungou and Paul Rothrock injected energy into Seattle’s attack, but Cruz Azul’s defense, anchored by Gonzalo Piovi, remained resolute. Obed Vargas also tested Mier with a long-range effort, but the keeper’s two-handed save kept the scoreline level.
Cruz Azul made late substitutions, bringing on Amaury Morales and Luis Gutierrez, while Seattle swapped Albert Rusnák for Rothrock. Despite a flurry of chances—including a missed header by Yeimar Gómez off a corner—the match ended 0-0, leaving everything to play for in the return leg.
Key Takeaways
  • Sounders’ Resilience: Facing a Cruz Azul side missing several key starters (reportedly up to seven, according to posts on X), Seattle’s strongest lineup couldn’t break through. This has sparked some concern among fans about the upcoming away leg, where Cruz Azul is expected to field a fuller squad.
  • Cruz Azul’s Strategy: Under manager Vicente Sánchez, Cruz Azul opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing a clean sheet over an all-out attack. This tactic paid off, as they head home with the tie still wide open.
  • Stats and Probabilities: Pre-match analysis from Sports Mole suggested a tight contest, with a 1-0 Sounders win (8.84% probability) and a 1-1 draw (12.03%) among the likeliest outcomes. The 0-0 result aligns with the competitive balance predicted.
What’s Next?
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. PT (8:30 p.m. local time). Cruz Azul will have the advantage of home support and potentially a healthier roster, which could tilt the scales. For Seattle, an away goal—or any goal—will be crucial in this aggregate series, given the away goals rule could come into play as a tiebreaker.
Seattle’s recent form has been mixed: a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake in MLS action on March 1 was followed by a 6-2 aggregate win over Antigua GFC in the Champions Cup’s first round. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, has been in solid form in Liga MX’s Clausura, sitting sixth in the standings, and boasts a roster with high-caliber talent despite last night’s absences.
Fan Sentiment and Broadcast Info
Posts on X reflect a blend of optimism and apprehension among Sounders fans. One user noted the team’s inability to score against a depleted Cruz Azul side, while another highlighted the disallowed goal as a turning point. For those who missed it, the match was broadcast on Fubo Sports, ViX (Gratis), and FOX Sports 2, with highlights widely available online.
Looking Ahead
This tie is far from decided. The Sounders, who won the Concacaf Champions League (the predecessor to this tournament) in 2022, know how to navigate two-legged ties against Mexican opposition—they beat Pumas UNAM in that final. Cruz Azul, however, has a rich history and a squad capable of turning the tide at home. Will Seattle’s 12-game unbeaten streak in Champions League/Cup play (stretching back to 2020) hold, or will Cruz Azul’s depth prevail?
Stay tuned for updates as we approach the decisive second leg. For now, both teams can reflect on a hard-fought battle in Seattle—one that promises more fireworks in Mexico City.

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