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CLUB AMÉRICA 4, REVOLUTION 0

Club América puts on a clinic at Gillette, burying Revolution before return match in Mexico City

By Jon Couture Globe correspondent,Updated April 2, 2024, 11:22 p.m.
Club America's Alejandro Zendejas, shown last season, had one of the Mexican side's goals on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium.Eduardo Verdugo/Associated Press

North America’s most successful club team put on a clinic for its sizable group of visiting fans who made the Tuesday night trip to a soggy Gillette Stadium. Mexico’s Club América scored twice in the first half hour and cruised to a 4-0 quarterfinal win that all but ends the Revolution’s run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The teams will play the other half of their aggregate series next Tuesday at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where New England will need to score at least four goals for a chance to advance.

América, seven-time champions of the event, leads the Liga MX standings on goal difference, 8-1-4 through 13 matches. The Revolution, meanwhile, are 0-4-1 in MLS play, last in the league entering Saturday night’s visit from Columbus.

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New England clearly expected an aggressive attack from América, adding Jonathan Mensah to form a five-man back line in front of goalie Earl Edwards Jr. Giveaways, however, made their job harder, and ultimately too much.

In the 16th minute, a loose Henry Kessler pass in New England’s end was turned into a quick counterattack. With three quick passes, Mexican national teamer Henry Martín had the ball at the penalty spot, back to goal. A half turn created just enough space from Kessler, and Martín’s shot beat Edwards to his left.

It was 2-0 in the 24th, with sustained possession in New England’s end leading to Alejandro Zendejas being played through the Revolution back line. The Mexican-born 26-year-old, who last year committed to play internationally for the US full-time, drove into the penalty area, made a quick cut to shed the pursuing Dave Romney, and lofted into the far corner with his left foot.

New England hadn’t put a shot on target yet, and wouldn’t come close to challenging América keeper Luis Malagón until the waning minutes of the first half, when a couple Carles Gil long balls connected with Ryan Spaulding. The Revolution wouldn’t muster a shot on target until 10 minutes into the second half, coach Caleb Porter having shifted to a 4-4-2 attack with his team needing goals.

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Though the Revolution showed some fight, América made it 3-0 in the 64th minute. A driving cross from Richard Sánchez was parried by Edwards, but right into the path of a charging Cristian Calderón.

There would be no breakthrough for the home team despite 10 corner kicks, but Tomás Chancalay twice came close in the final 10 minutes. His swerving effort from 30 yards in the 85th minute forced a Malagón punch and a corner, and another cross in two minutes later was deftly headed by Ian Harkes, only for Malagón to knock it away with a brilliant dive to his right.

That led the vocal Club América contingent at the far end of the stadium to set off yellow smoke bombs. They quickly enveloped the field and forced a brief delay, with a light haze remaining as one-time LAFC winger Brian Rodríguez capped the scoring in the first minute of stoppage time.

A remnant of a celebration well earned, on another tough night of what’s been an increasingly tough Revolution season.

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