Two games into the 2015-16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, and D.C. United (2-0-0) is atop Group H with six points and two games left. The Black-and-Red can advance into the quarterfinals with a win or a tie Tuesday night against Árabe Unido of Panama (1-1-0). The two sides met in Panama City last month and United left with three points after Miguel Aguilar scored a late winner off a Michael Farfan backheel.
Domestic Form Isn't Everything
When Árabe Unido took the field against D.C. United in August, they had not lost in the Apertura (the fall season of Panamanian league). United came to Panama and didn't flinch, beating their hosts and leaving with three points. Following their loss to United, Árabe have continued their strong domestic run of form, going unbeaten in four games and outscoring opponents 13-3 in the Apertura. D.C. United will look to stop another Árabe win streak and prove that domestic form isn't everything in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Clinch Week?
As previously mentioned, D.C. United can book their place in the SCCL quarterfinals with a win or tie against the Panamanian side. That's not the only possible clinch scenario for the Black-and-Red this week, however. If United beats Columbus Crew SC Saturday night (Sept. 19), they will clinch a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. There are various scenarios that involve other MLS teams, but the simplest way? Win and you're in.
Be sure to to watch all the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League action Tuesday night either live at RFK or on TV (Fox Sports 2/Univision Deportes), and follow along on Twitter.
