Club America smash Atlanta in CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg

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Club America got a pair of goals two minutes apart, added a third before the 40-minute mark and cruised to a 3-0 win over Atlanta United Wednesday night in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series in Mexico City.

Leo Suarez (11th minute) and Henry Martin (13th) put the United in an early hole, and Bruno Valdez made it 3-0 in the 36th minute at Azteca Stadium. Richard Sanchez assisted on two of the goals.

Atlanta United weren't without their chances as shots were nearly even (18-17 in favor of America) and the visitors held a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal.

Already in a deep hole without start Josef Martinez (torn ACL), Atlanta now have to outscore America by at least three in the second leg on March 18 in Kennesaw, Ga.