20 Out Of 21 CONCACAF Cups Went To Mexico, and That Makes the Sounders' 2022 Win Even WILDER
Holy smokes, did you catch that CONCACAF Champions Cup final? Toluca FC just snatched the title from Tigres UANL in a wild penalty shootout, making it 20 out of the last 21 times a Mexican team has lifted that trophy. And guess what? That makes our Seattle Sounders FC's 2022 championship run look even more absolutely legendary. Seriously, what an incredible, singular achievement for the Emerald City.
Shootout Drama for the Ages
The game on Saturday night was a total nail-biter, going to a 1-1 draw through regulation and then into extra time. Toluca’s Jorge Diaz finally broke the scoreless tie at the 104-minute mark in the first half of extra time, slamming a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner off a Fernando Arce assist. We thought that might be it, right? But Tigres wasn't done! Joaquim delivered for Tigres UANL in the 114th minute, heading one home from close range after a set-piece cross from Juan Brunetta, tying things up again. Then came the penalties, where Toluca's Luis Garcia was the hero, stopping Juan Purata's shot in the seventh round to seal the 6-5 win. Garcia was a wall all night, making eight saves, including a huge one on Fernando Gorriaran's penalty earlier. Tigres' Nahuel Guzman wasn't slouching either, stopping Franco Romero in the fifth round of the shootout. Pavel Perez, Santiago Simon, Federico Pereira, Diaz, Sebastian Cordova, and Arce all scored for Toluca in the shootout, while Andre-Pierre Gignac, Brunetta, Angel Correa, Diego Lainez, and Romulo scored for Tigres. It was intense!
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This win marks Toluca's third CONCACAF Champions Cup title, and their first since 2003. They’ve joined a serious club, extending Mexico's incredible grip on this tournament. Tigres, for their part, were looking for their second crown since 2020 but added another runner-up finish to their list, having also lost in the final in 2016, 2017, and 2019. It's wild to think about the stats from this game, too. Tigres actually had more shots on goal (8-4), more shot attempts (15-13), and more corner kicks (7-4). Toluca, meanwhile, racked up more fouls (24-14) and yellow cards (2-1). But none of that matters when it comes down to a shootout, does it? What really stands out, though, is how Toluca's victory just reinforces the ridiculous fact: in the past 21 years, a Mexican team has taken home the trophy 20 times. The ONLY exception? Our very own Seattle Sounders FC back in 2022. That's a legacy that just keeps growing stronger with every passing year.
What's Next for the Sounders' Legacy?
While the CONCACAF Cup goes back to Mexico for another year, the Sounders' incredible 2022 victory shines even brighter today. It just shows you how monumental that win was, breaking a streak that now only looks more impenetrable. It's a testament to what our club achieved against all odds. We're always looking ahead, always pushing for that next trophy. Let's keep that Sounders energy high!
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.