Seattle Sounders FC Bow Out of Champions Cup After Tigres Clash
Seattle Sounders FC's Concacaf Champions Cup journey concluded in the Quarterfinals, as Tigres UANL advanced on away goals after a thrilling 3-3 aggregate draw. Discover the details of their exit.
Seattle Sounders FC's journey in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup concluded in the Quarterfinals, as the MLS side was eliminated by Mexican powerhouse Tigres UANL. The Sounders battled to a 3-3 aggregate draw against Tigres, but the Mexican club advanced to the Semifinals on the strength of away goals, marking a challenging exit for the Seattle club.
The Quarterfinal series saw Seattle Sounders FC face a formidable opponent in Tigres UANL, a team with a rich history in the Concacaf Champions Cup, having reached the Semifinals six times previously. Despite a resilient performance that pushed the tie to the wire, the Sounders ultimately fell short, highlighting the intense competition at this elite continental level.
Following their hard-fought victory over Seattle Sounders FC, Tigres UANL moved on to face another MLS club, Nashville SC, in the First Leg of the Semifinals. Key players like Rodrigo Aguirre and Ozziel Herrera proved crucial in Tigres' attack throughout the tournament, while veteran goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán continued to anchor their defense, demonstrating the quality that overcame the Sounders.
Nashville SC, making their first-ever Semifinal appearance in the tournament, earned their spot by securing a 1-nil aggregate win over Club América, a significant achievement that included becoming the first MLS side to win a game at Estadio Banorte. Their attacking trio of Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, and Cristian Espinoza aimed to challenge Tigres, showcasing the growing strength of MLS teams.
While Seattle Sounders FC's 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign ended earlier than hoped, their ability to match Tigres UANL goal-for-goal over two legs underscores their competitive spirit against one of the region's most successful clubs. The experience gained from such high-stakes matches is invaluable for the Sounders as they continue to compete on both domestic and international fronts.