As heard on WHYY radio this morning, “The Concacaf” continues tonight. The Union face a very tough test against CF Pachuca in Chester in the first of a two-leg Round of 16. Pachuca is even on points with Monterrey and Cruz Azul through 10 games in the Clausura after an 11th place finish in the Apertura and coming off a 3-2 win over Juarez on the weekend. The Union, which has shown plenty of mettle through their early 2024 campaign, will want to take advantage of being home again and grab a lead going away. Kickoff is some time after 7 p.m. and FS2 has the broadcast.

In the email today:

1. 🇲🇽 Get to Know Pachuca

By Evan Cohen

Just seven days after surviving a dangerous Deportivo Saprissa side, Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union faces an even tougher continental test. A red-hot Pachuca side comes to the banks of the Delaware tonight, and a short-handed Union will need to be at their best, which we have yet to see through four matches.

Club de Fútbol Pachuca is one of Mexico’s biggest and most historic clubs, with 123 years of history. Founded at the turn of the twentieth century, Pachuca was a founding member of the Mexican Primera División in 1907 and one of just three clubs to survive the country’s revolution shortly thereafter. Los Tuzos became professional in 1967 and spent the rest of the century bouncing back and forth between the top flight and various second divisions. In 1999, Pachuca finally managed to stay in the top division for two consecutive seasons and has been a member ever since.

Pachuca has had immense success in the last two decades, with a dynasty-like run from 2006-2010. In that stretch, they won two Mexican League titles and three editions of the Concacaf Champions Cup in addition to their historic Copa Sudamericana win in 2006. Overall, the club has won the Mexican League seven times and the Concacaf Champions Cup five times, with three titles coming in the Tournament’s Modern Era (2008 and later).

After winning a title in 2022, Pachuca struggled immensely in the following two tournaments. Most recently, Los Tuzos finished 11th in the 2023 Apertura, just barely missing out on the Liguilla, Liga MX’s postseason. However, Pachuca has seen a huge turnaround this season and is currently tied for the top spot in Liga MX with Monterrey and Cruz Azul. Seven wins and 24 goals scored through 10 matches has Los Tuzos heading to Chester in excellent form.

As I mentioned, Pachuca’s current success has come from a high-flying attack, which is sure to cause the depleted Union backline some problems. Former Premier League Striker Salomon Rondon and former Eredivisie Winger Oussama Indrissi lead the attack, with nine goals and eight assists between the pair. Additionally, Mexican International Midfielder Érick Sánchez has
been a star for the club with nine goal contributions of his own this season.

The two clubs have met just once before, with a friendly match in 2022 ending in a 1-0 win for the Union. Nate Harriel headed home a Kai Wagner cross that evening as both sides played extremely young and rotated lineups during an international break.

This Round of 16 tie kicks off on the banks of the Delaware River on Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. ET, with the return leg at the Estadio Hidalgo at 9:15 p.m. ET the following Tuesday. The winner of the tie will face either C.S. Herediano (Costa Rica) or S.V. Robinhood (Suriname) in the quarterfinal round.

2. ☘️ March Giveaway: Donovan McGlynn’s Shirt

To celebrate the month of March, we are going to be giving away a limited edition Donovan McGlynn’s shirt for our member giveaway this month. All monthly and annual Philadelphia Soccer Now members and annual subscribers to The River End will be entered into the drawing. Deadline to be entered into the drawing is this Saturday, March 9.

3. ⭐️ Tweet of the Day: Faris

Former Bethlehem Steel forward Faris Moumbagna is already making a mark with his new team in France. He had an assist and a goal in a 15-minute appearance on Saturday.

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Goal Prediction

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• The Sons of Ben are showing their support for the U.S. Open Cup.

• Design firm Gensler has been hired to explore options for expanding the number of premium and general seating at Subaru Park.

• News Journal has a profile on Jack McGlynn, one of several Union players who lives in Delaware.

• Concacaf.com has a preview for tonight’s match.

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