Sounders advance to CONCACAF Champions semifinals

Posted March 17, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Cristian Roldan of the Seattle Sounders, right, and Juan Rangel of Mexico's Leon fight for the ball during a CONCACAF Champions League soccer match in Leon, Mexico, Thursday, March 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mario Armas) The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Fredy Montero scored on a penalty kick late in the first half and the Seattle Sounders tied 1-1 with Leon on Thursday night to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals with a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Seattle will play New York City FC in one of the semifinals, while Mexican teams Cruz Azul and Pumas will face off in the other.

The 34-year-old Montero converted the penalty kick on the 45th minute to put Seattle ahead. Fidel Ambriz tied it on a header in the 90th. Montero scored twice in the first leg of the series that Seattle won 3-0.

Joao Paulo was tackled from behind by defender William Tesillo inside the box for a penalty that Montero converted against goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.

The Sounders are back in the CONCACAF semifinals for the first time since 2012-13 season.

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Cristian Roldan, left, of the Seattle Sounders and Oscar Villa of Mexico's Leon fight for the ball during a CONCACAF Champions League soccer match in Leon, Mexico, Thursday, March 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mario Armas) The Associated Press

Fredy Montero of the Seattle Sounders celebrates his side's opening goal against Mexico's Leon during a CONCACAF Champions League soccer match in Leon, Mexico, Thursday, March 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mario Armas) The Associated Press

Fredy Montero, right, of the Seattle Sounders celebrates with Joao Paulo Mior, his side's opening goal against Mexico's Leon during a CONCACAF Champions League soccer match in Leon, Mexico, Thursday, March 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mario Armas) The Associated Press

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