CCL Semifinals preview: 2017, another historical year for MLS teams

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As both FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps became the sixth MLS side to ever progressed to the final four series of the CCL

by Ugochukwu Ajuzie

March 6, 2017 at 4:56 AM

FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps are the sixth Major League Soccer teams to ever reach the CCL semifinals in the present Continental league format, - as they follow Real Salt Lake - 2011, Toronto FC - 2012, Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy - 2013, and Montreal Impact - 2015. Since the 2012-2013 season, this will be the second time two MLS teams have reached the CCL final four series.

The historical MLS teams

FC Dallas progressed to the semifinals round of the Concacaf Champions League last week Wednesday, despite losing 2-1 to Arabe Unido but qualified for the semifinals series 5-2 on goals aggregate. On record, it's the first time ever The Texan club will be reaching the last four round of the CONCACAF Champions League. The road to the tournament finals won't get any easier for them, as The Texan club will now face Mexican side Pachuca in the CCL semifinals - with the first leg coming up 15th March in Dallas and the return leg tie in Mexico scheduled for 4th April.

Meanwhile, Vancouver Whitecaps scaled through to the CCL final four on Thursday after beating the New York Red Bulls in an emphatic 2-0 win, advancing on a 3-1 goals aggregate.

For the Vancouver Whitecaps, it is also the first time in their entire history to progress to the CCL semifinals. - the Whitecaps will face another Mexican side - Tigers UANL in their final four round. The second leg of the encounter will be staged in Mexico on 14th March.

MLS teams previous attempts to the CCL finals

No Major League Soccer team has ever won the prestigious rebranded CCL title - with Mexican clubs gaining dominion of the tournament since it was rebranded in 2008. Since then, only two MLS teams have managed to reach the CCL finals. In 2010-2011 CCL finals, MLS side Real Salt Lake were narrowly beaten by Monterrey, while in 2014-2015 season finals Montreal Impact lost to another Liga MX side - Club America. Before now, both DC United and LA Galaxy have won the 'previous iteration' of the championship at the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1998 and 2000 seasons respectively.

Ugochukwu Ajuzie

Contributor

I'm a sports contributor for blastingnews, exclusive soccer. Covering the Major League Soccer and the world of soccer at large, with an in-depth analysis, recaps and updates making the rounds.

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