America dominate as Philadelphia Union slump to Champions League semifinal defeat

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:05 am
Goals from Richard Sanchez and Daniel Gazdag handed Club America a 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union on Thursday.
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Union fell to a 2-0 defeat to Club America in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.

America midfielder Richard Sanchez opened the scoring on 17 minutes as his volley deflected off the back of Philadelphia midfielder Daniel Gazdag.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

The Mexican side nearly doubled their lead just before half-time. Philadelphia defender Jack Elliott produced a superb header and clearance to deny America a two-goal lead as his side struggled for possession.

Midfielder Emanuel Aguilera sealed America's victory from the penalty spot on 76 minutes after Sanchez was brought down by Philadelphia's Jose Martinez.

The visitors' best chance of the match came in the closing stages, but America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa produced an impressive stop to ensure a clean sheet.

The two sides will play in the return leg at Subaru Park on Sept. 15.