RSL, Columbus Crew, exhibit class in CONCACAF Champions League

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Chad Marshall of Columbus Crew holding off Guillermo Ramírez on CSD Municipal. Columbus would go on to defeat Municipal 1-0 thanks to a 14th minute goal from Emmanuel Ekpo. 

Forget the lone Major League Soccer regular season match that took place yesterday evening, last night was all about Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake opening their Group Stage campaign in the 2010-11 edition of the CONCACAF Champions League. Both Columbus and RSL emerged victorious to kick off the series.

Sure each victory might have been by one lone goal, but watching the games, you could see the dominance and class that both Columbus and RSL exhibited over Municipal and Arabe Unido, respectively. It can partially be noticed through the highlight reels for each game. (See at bottom).

Observing both games live on TV last night, they each established a solid passing game that only their opponents couldn't seem to combat against, unless it was a myriad of shameless fouls and tackles. And yet in spite of this, they couldn't emerge victorious.


I'll admit I was sweating bullets watching the RSL v. Arabe Unido game especially when they fell so early, but thankfully the tied it up before the break, and in the dying moments of the game they got probably the tenth foul committed in the box that finally was called for, for a PK. The frustration probably got to Kries as well.

This is excellent though to see the MLS teams open up so strongly in the Champions League, and exhibit a higher level of skill over their opponents, still a bit surprised about Toronto FC's victory over the Mexican powerhouse, Cruz Azul, but TFC deserved it.

Hopefully, the Seattle Sounders FC can prevail in Honduras against Maraton, while Real Salt Lake and Columbus can snatch a point or even three on the road.

HIGHLIGHTS: Real Salt Lake 2, Arabe Unido 1

HIGHLIGHTS: Columbus Crew 1, C.S.D. Municipal 0

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This post is also featured on Bleacher Report.