Houston Dynamo FC falls to Tigres UANL 4-1 in Leagues Cup opener

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 29, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC kicked off their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign with a 4-1 loss against Liga MX side Tigres UANL on Tuesday night at a sold-out Shell Energy Stadium. A record-breaking crowd of 21,792 fans, the largest attendance of the season, filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere despite the loss. Midfielder Ondřej Lingr provided a brief spark with a second-half equalizer, but Tigres’ attacking prowess ultimately proved too much for the Dynamo.

The opening 45 minutes saw Tigres dominate possession while Houston countered with moments of danger. The Dynamo generated six shot attempts, matching Tigres’ intensity if not their control. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond was pivotal early on, making two crucial saves in the final 10 minutes of the half. In the 36th minute, Tigres’ Diego Lainez set up Edgar Lopez for a close-range shot, but Bond’s quick reflexes kept the score level.

However, Tigres broke through in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. Juan Brunetta’s long diagonal ball found Ángel Correa, who controlled it expertly, turned, and fired a right-footed shot from just outside the box past a diving Bond to give Tigres a 1-0 lead at the break.

Houston responded immediately after halftime. In the 47th minute, Brooklyn Raines intercepted a misplaced Tigres pass in midfield, took two touches, and played a precise through ball to Lingr. The midfielder raced into the box and slotted a near-post shot past Guzman Nahuel to level the score at 1-1.

The momentum shift was short-lived, as defensive errors cost Houston dearly. In the 63rd minute, a misplaced pass from Bond was intercepted by Diego Lainez, who cut inside and rifled a left-footed shot to restore Tigres’ lead at 2-1. Seven minutes later, another defensive miscue allowed Tigres to extend their advantage. Artur’s underhit back pass to Bond left Correa with an open run at goal, and the forward deftly chipped the keeper for a 3-1 score.

Tigres sealed the victory in the closing stages when Jonathan Ozziel Herrera added a fourth goal, finalizing the 4-1 score.

Mexico defeats U.S. to win 2025 Gold Cup Final

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 6, 2025)  Mexico came from behind to defeat the United States 2-1 in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final on Sunday evening at NRG Stadium. With the win, Mexico claimed its 10th Gold Cup title, the most in tournament history.

The match started fast, with the U.S. striking early. In just the fourth minute, defender Chris Richards scored with a powerful header off a free kick from Sebastian Berhalter, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead.

Mexico answered back in the 27th minute. Star striker Raúl Jiménez found the back of the net, scoring his third goal of the tournament to tie the game 1-1.

The second half remained tight until the 77th minute. Midfielder Edson Álvarez scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal. His goal was first called offside, but after a video review, the referee confirmed it was good. That gave Mexico the 2-1 lead, and they held on until the final whistle.

This was the eighth time the U.S. and Mexico have met in a Gold Cup final. Mexico now leads the rivalry in finals with six wins to the U.S.’s two.

USMNT beats Haiti 2–1 to Finish Group D

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2025) On Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the U.S. Men’s National Team beat Haiti 2–1 in their final Group D match of the Concacaf Gold Cup.

.The U.S. answered quickly. In the 13th minute, Malik Tillman made a strong, low shot into the net to tie the game. That gave the home fans a big cheer and brought the score to 1–1.

The U.S. took the lead in the 75th minute. Defender Patrick Agyemang headed in a pass from a corner kick. That goal pushed the U.S. ahead 2–1.

They held on to win, ending group play with a perfect 3–0 record. The U.S. scored eight goals and gave up just one, earning nine points to top Group D.

Haiti finishes with just one point (a 1–1 draw) and misses the knockout round 

Canada, Honduras earn key points in Gold Cup group play

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21, 2025) Canada and Honduras kept their Concacaf Gold Cup dreams alive with exciting results on the field on Saturday. Both teams are chasing a spot in the knockout round as group play nears its end.

Canada got off to a fast start in their match against Curaçao. Midfielder Nathan Saliba, making just his fifth appearance for the national team, scored early in the 9th minute. His right-footed shot from the center of the box found the bottom corner of the goal, giving Canada a 1-0 lead.

Canada looked like they would grab all three points, but Curaçao had other plans. In the 94th minute, Jeremy Antonisse tied the game. He scored on a right-footed shot from the center of the box. Joshua Zimmerman provided the assist with a sharp pass. The match ended 1-1.

Later that evening, Honduras brought energy and intensity in a 2-0 win over El Salvador. The crowd roared when forward Romell Quioto scored in the 33rd minute. The former Houston Dynamo star split two defenders and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner. Edwin Rodríguez set him up with a smooth assist.

Honduras sealed the win in stoppage time. Midfielder took off on a fast break. El Salvador’s goalkeeper, Mario Gonzalez, had moved up the field, leaving the goal wide open. Ramirez took advantage and scored from long range into an empty net.

“We took advantage of Dixon’s potential,” said Honduras head coach Reinaldo Rueda. “Thank God he was able to finish. That second goal gave us a huge relief.”

With one game left in group play, Canada leads Group B with four points. Honduras is close behind with three. Curaçao has two points, while El Salvador is last with one.

Canada will face El Salvador next at Shell Energy Stadium on June 24. Honduras will take on Curaçao the same day at PayPal Park in California.

Canada takes down Paraguay 4-0 in Concacaf Women's Gold Cup

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 25, 2024) Canada's Adriana Leon scored the hat trick to lead The Canucks to a 4-0 win over Paraguay in the second round of Group Stage C action of the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening.

Leon, who plays for Aston Villa (England) during the club season, started off her scoring onslaught in the 25th minute when she right-footed the ball into the net for the first score of the game. Olivia Smith followed up 10 minutes later to take the score to 2-0 against La Albirroja. Leon added to the Canadian total with two goals in the second half; in the 49th and 56th minute

With the win, Canada moved to 2-0 in the group stage, having defeated 6-0 on Friday night, with Leon scoring two goals in the game and Smith adding one.

Paraguay dropped to 1-1 after today's match beating Costa Rica 1-0 on Friday,

Next up for Canada is a Wednesday, February 28 against Costa Rica with a 5 p.m. start, followed by Paraguay and El Salvador at 8 p.m.

Guadalupe drops Cuba 4-1 in CONCACAF Gold Cup Action

Story by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 1, 2023) Guadalupe jumped out to a three-goal lead in the first half in route to a 4-1 win over Cuba in the second match for each team in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium.

The Gwada Boys earned three points with the win, in preparation for their final group stage match against Guatemala on July 4.

The first score came in the 13th minute when forward Matthias Phaeton found the back of the net giving Guadalupe a 1-0 lead. Play remained pretty constant for the remainder of the half, with each team unable to gain an advantage over their opponent. Then, in the span of two minutes, Cuba allowed two more goals into the back of their goal, giving The Gwada Boys a 3-0 lead at halftime. The first goal came by forward Ange Plumain in the 41st minute, with the follow-up goal by Matthias giving him a brace for the match.

In the second half, Guadalupe added to their goal total in the 50th minute when defender Anthony Baron scored the insurance goal.

Cuba finally got on the scoreboard when captain Aricheell Hernandez scored his team's first goal of the tournament in the 62nd minute.

Next up for Cuba is a July 4 matchup versus Canada.

CONCACAF Doubleheader at BBVA Stadium Scheduled to Resume at 7:50 p.m. CT

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 13, 2021) Today’s Concacaf Gold Cup doubleheader at BBVA Stadium will begin at 7:50 p.m. CDT with the opening game of Group D between Panama and Qatar. 

The doubleheader was postponed due to lightning in the area around the stadium. The teams were allowed to enter the pitch at 7:20 p.m. CT and will have 30 minutes to warm up. The second match of the doubleheader between Honduras and Grenada will begin at 10:10 p.m. CT.

 For the safety of everyone involved, all players, referees and staff were not permitted on the field while there was lightning near the stadium, and the seating bowl was cleared. During the delay, fans were able to either stay in the stadium on the concourse or leave the stadium to seek shelter elsewhere. If fans left the stadium due to the weather delay, they may scan their ticket on exit in order to return when play resumes.

Draw Delivers Preliminary Round and Round of 16 Matchups for 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf League

Photo by https://www.concacaf.com/Straffon
Used with permission
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

MIAMI, FLORIDA (September 21, 2020) Concacaf today conducted the official draw for Preliminary Round and Round of 16 matchups of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf League. The tournament is set to kick off on October 20.  

 
The draw, which was hosted by TV personalities Alejandro de la Rosa (TUDN) and Natalia Alvarez (ESPN), included appearances by Honduran football legend Amado Guevara and Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio. 
 
In order to fit the competition into a new schedule, the Preliminary Round and Round of 16 will be played as single game ties at the highest ranked club’s stadium. All other rounds will be played as two game ties (home and away).  
 
The 12 clubs participating in the Preliminary Round of the competition have been divided into six pairings as follows (home club listed first):  
 
Matchup #1: CD FAS (SLV) vs Managua FC (NCA) 
Matchup #2: LD Alajuelense (CRC) vs Cibao FC (DOM) 
Matchup #3: CD Municipal Limeño (SLV) vs Forge FC (CAN)  
Matchup #4: CA Independiente (PAN) vs Antigua GFC (GUA) 
Matchup #5: Arcahaie FC (HAI) vs Verdes FC (BLZ) 
Matchup #6: FC Motagua (HON) vs Comunicaciones FC (GUA) 
 
The six Preliminary Round matchups will be played October 20-22, as single game ties at the highest ranked club’s stadium.  
 
The ten clubs seeded into the Round of 16 and the six Preliminary Round winners have been divided into eight parings and will play as follows (home team listed first):  
   
Matchup #1: Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs CSD Municipal (GUA) 
Matchup #2: CD Marathon (HON) vs CA Independiente (PAN) or Antigua GFC (GUA) 
Matchup #3: Tauro FC (PAN) vs CD Municipal Limeño (SLV) or Forge FC (CAN) 
Matchup #4: Waterhouse FC (JAM) vs Arcahaie FC (HAI) or Verdes FC (BLZ) 
Matchup #5: Alianza FC (SLV) vs FC Motagua (HON) or Comunicaciones FC (GUA) 
Matchup #6: CD Olimpia (HON) vs CD FAS (SLV) or Managua FC (NCA) 
Matchup #7: San Francisco FC (PAN) vs LD Alajuelense (CRC) or Cibao FC (DOM) 
Matchup #8: CS Herediano (CRC) vs Real Esteli FC (NCA) 

The schedule for the all rounds of the competition is as follows: 
 
October 2020  
20-22 Preliminary Round (single leg match)  
 
November 2020  
3-5: Round of 16 (single leg match)  
 
December 2020  
1-3: Quarterfinals (first leg)  
8-10: Quarterfinals (second leg)  
 
January 2021  
5-7: Semifinals (first leg)  
12-14 Semifinals (second leg)  
19-21: Final (first leg)  
26-28: Final (second leg) 
 
Kick off times and venues, will be announced in the coming days. 

In addition to qualifying its champion to the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, the tournament now qualifies a further five teams. At the end of the Concacaf League , the champion and the next five best ranked will qualify to the 2021 edition of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. 

CONCACAF suspends Nations League Finals

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

MIAMI, FLORIDA (April 3, 2020) The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced their Nations League Finals, scheduled for June 4-7, 2020 will be suspended due to the ongoing health situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

Games were scheduled to be played at BBVA Stadium and NRG Stadium in Houston and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. On Thursday, June 4, the United States was scheduled to face Honduras at 7 p.m. CDT at BBVA Stadium in Houston. Later that evening,, Mexico would play Costa Rica at 9 p.m. CDT at NRG Stadium, also is Houston. The third place and final games were scheduled for Sunday, June 7 at AT&T Stadium

CONCACAF stated in a prepared press release, "The event, which includes the Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and USA men’s national teams, will be rescheduled to take place at a later date in venues to be determined. This will be confirmed following further discussions with FIFA regarding the remaining international windows in the football calendar, and will obviously be subject to public health authorities deeming it safe for professional sports events to resume."

Haiti dominates Panama 6-0 in CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 3, 2020) Forward Mikerline Saint-Felix (shown right) tallied two goals in the first half to lead No. 63 Haiti to a 6-0 victory over No. 69 Panama in the final game of the 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

Nerilia Mondesir (shown left), who place for Montpellier HSC, scored the first goal of the game with a penalty kick in the fifth minute to give Haiti the early 1-0 lead. Saint-Felix (Montauban FC) scored her first-half goals in the 11th and 29th minutes. They added an insurance goal two minutes into the second half off a shot by midfielder Melchie Dumonay (AS Tigresses), stretching their lead to 4-0. Forward Batcheba Louis (FF Issy Les Moulineaux) scored Haiti's fifth goal of the match in the 59th minute. Mondesir added to the Haitian scoring assault with a second goal in the 84th minute.

Haiti finishes the tournament with a 1-2 record while Panama returns home without a win and a single goal (vs. Costa Rica).

Mexico nips Costa Rica in penalty kicks

 Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (memo) had a
great game in front of the net against Costa Rica.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 29, 2019) After 120 minutes of play and a tied score, Mexico had to rely on penalty kicks to record the win over Costa Rica to advance to the semi-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston.

With the score tied after regulation, two additional 15-minute periods were played with the score remaining the same after the additional 30 minutes of play. Both teams went to penalty kicks to determine the outcome of the game, with Mexico coming out on top, five penalty kick goals to four. The game was unique in many ways, including a record 70,788 fans; the largest Gold Cup game in Houston. In addition, a total of 11 yellow cards were issued; six to Costa Rica and five to Mexico.

Mexico got on the scoreboard in the 44th minute with a Raul Jimenez goal. Costa Rica followed up with the equalizer by Bryan Ruiz in the 52nd minute.

Haiti edges Canada 3-2 to advance to semifinals of CONCACAF Gold Cup

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 29, 2019) Coming back from a 2-0 deficit at halftime, No. 101 Haiti (shown right) scored three unanswered goals in the second half to down No. 78 Canada by the score of 3-2 in the first of two quarterfinal matches of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Houston's NRG Stadium. This win was the first in the quarterfinals for Los Catrachos, having dropped three previous quarterfinal matches in Gold Cup history.

The first goal for The Canuaks came in the 18th minute on a nice shot, off a free kick, by Jonathan David. The fleet-footed forward, who plays professionally for KAA Gant, took his shot from the top right corner of the penalty box; drilling it past Haitian goalkeeper Jhonu Placide. The goal gave David his sixth goal in four games in the 2019 Gold Cup. Ten minutes later, forward Lucas Cavallini tapped in the second Canadian goal, for his fifth goal in four games in the tournament.

Five minutes into the second half, Haiti forward Duckens Nazon found himself in the "right place at the right time" when Palcide tried to "finesse" the ball out of the penalty

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

area. A misstep left the ball unprotected; allowing Nazon to gently tap it into goal to cut Canada's lead to one. They evened the score twenty minutes later when forward Herve Bazile converted at penalty kick. Haiti took the lead, and secured the win, in the 76th minute on a phenomenal pass from Nazon to midfielder Wilde-Donald Guerrier (No. 10, shown above) for the final goal of the match

The match was the third time the two teams met in Gold Cup history. Canada won the previous two meetings by the score of 2-0. The first meeting was on January 18, 2002, with Kevin McKenna score twice secure the win at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.came on June 11, 2017. Dwayne DeRosario scored twice in their win, which occurred at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.

El Salvador, Jamaica battle to scoreless draw in CONCACAF Gold Cup

El Salvador midfielder Darwin Ceren (7), who
plays in the MLS for the Houston Dynamo,
moves the ball past Jamaican defender
Damion Lowe at BBVA Stadium.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyrightr 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21, 2019) In front of a highly partisan El Salvador crowd, No. 69 La Selectra battled No. 54 Jamaica to a scoreless draw in Group D action of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at BBVA Stadium in Houston. The draw gives both squad a 1-0-1 record, with four points in group standings.

The first half was evenly matched, with both squads pushing back-and-forth trying to locate a weakness in the others defense, without much success. Two events brought the El Salvador fans to their feet, in the 10th and 42nd minutes. Defender Roberto Dominguez was issued a yellow card early in the game. Just prior to the half, midfielder Darwin Ceren was also yellow carded. The first half ended with neither team able to get the ball into the goal.

The second half saw much of the same play, with four yellow cards being issued. The Reggae Boyz received three; with forwards Dever Orgill and Junior Flemmings being carded in the 48th and 60th minute, respectively. Defender Damoin Love added the third yellow card for Jamaica in the 85th minute. Defender Jonathan Jimenez received the final yellow card of the match, for El Salvador, in the 90th minute.

Previously, on June 17 at Kingston Jamaica's National Stadium, Jamaica downed Honduras 3-2 while Curacao fell to El Salvador 1-0. On Tuesday, June 25, at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, Jamaica will face Curacao with Honduras facing El Salvador to close out group action.

Haiti, Costa Rica win first games in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B action

Logo courtsey of CONCACAF

By Chris Price
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (June 16, 2019) No. 39 Costa Rica had an easy time, but Haiti had to come from behind to win their first round matches in Group B of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at National Stadium of San Jose, on Sunday, June 16, 2019. In the first match, in front of a mostly emply stadium, No 174 Bermuda scored first, but No. 101 Haiti came from behind to take the first game of the double-header by the score of 2-1. In the nightcap, hometown favorite Los Ticos had little trouble dispatching No. 129 Nicaragua by the score of 4-0. The wins gave both Costa Rica and Haiti three points in group play, with all four teams meeting on Thursday, June 20 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Defender Dante Leverock got Bermuda on the board in added time of the first half. Forward Frantzdy Perrot tallied a brace 12 minutes apart; scoring for Haiti in the 54th and 66th minute. In the second game, Costa Rica had three first half goals in their 4-0 won. Defender Bryan Oviedo sccored in the 7th minute, with midfielder Celso Brooks nailing the goal from the top of the arc, in the 19th minute. Midfielder Elias Aguilar scored from midfield off afree kick in first half added time. Midfielder Allan Cruz added an insurance goal in the 75th minute to secure the win. The match was the first meeting between Costa Rica and Nicaragua in Gold Cup play, and their 19th meeting going back to 1941. Los Ticos leads the all-time series 17-1-1.

Canada, Mexico score early wins in Group A of CONCACAF Gold Cup

Logo courtsey of CONCACAF

By Chris Price
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA (June 15, 2019) The 2019 edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup kicked off on Saturday with two matches at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Also known as Spieker Field at the Rose Bowl, the 97-year-old venue hosted the kickoff double header in Group A action, with No. 78 Canada facing Martinique and No. 18 Mexico playing No. 175 Cuba. Due to the fact that Martinique is not a member of FIFA, they are not ranked, but as a member of CONCACAF, they are eligible for participation in the Gold Cup.

In the first match at the Rose Bowl, Canada blasted past Martinique 4-0, with Jonathan David getting a brace in the 33rd and 53rd minute. Junior Hoilett and Scott Arfield added insurance goals in the 63rd and 68th minute, respectively.

Match two gave Mexico an easy 7-0 win over Cuba off a hat trick by Uriel Antuna, scoring in the 2nd, 44th, and 80th minute. Raul Jimenez added a brace, in the 31st and 80th minute; with Diego Reyes scoring in the 38th minute. Alexia Vega added an insurance goal on the 74th minute.

Group A will continue on Wednesday, June 19 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver. Cuba will face Martinique with a 7 p.m. MT start, while Mexico will play Cuba in the night cap.

Houston drops 1-0 decision to Tigres UANL in Monterrey, Mexico

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019
All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

MONTERREY, MEXICO (March 12, 2019) Despite excellent defensive play by goalkeeper Joe Willis (shown left), the Houston Dynamo fell to Tigres UANL by the score of 1-0 in the second natch of their two-game series of the CONCACAF Champions League on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. With the win, combined with their 2-0 victory on Tuesday, March 5, Tigres wins the series by the aggregate score of 3-0. They will advance to the semi-finals of the tournament against Santa Laguna, with the first leg being played April 2-4. The second leg will take place on April 9-11.

Willis' play in the first 68 minutes was impressive, tallying four saves. In the 68th minute, defender Carlos Salcedo got the ball past Willis for the lone score of the match. The two best chances for Houston came in the 23th and 29th minutes when midfielder Tommy McNamara had opportunities to score. In the 50th minute, forward Mauro Manotas took a hard shot at the net; which went high. Captain DeMarcus Beasley saw 19 minutes of action prior to being replaced, for what was described as "tactical reasons" by Adam Lundkvist. Lundkvist had three corner kicks along with great defensive plays.

Next up for Houston is  Saturday. March 16 meeting with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CDT.

Houston Dynamo leave country to face Tigres UNAL

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 10, 2019) After their 3-2 win over the Montreal Impact on Saturday night, the Houston Dynamo will travel south of the border to face Tigres UNAL in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal. The match, which will be played at Estadio Universitari in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, is set for a 10 p.m. CDT start. 

In their first leg of the aggregate match, Houston dropped a 2-0 decision to Tigres. In order to advance in the tournament, the Dynamo will have to win in Mexico by at least three points. Upon their conclusion of the match, Houston will return to the friendly confines of BBVA Compass Stadium for a Saturday, March 16 match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. 

Saturday's game will start at 2 p.m. CDT

Draw Reveals Groups for the 2019 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield

The Caribbean qualifying tournament will kick off on April 5

MIAMI, FLORIDA (January 11, 2019) The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) conducted the official draw for the 2019 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield, at the Concacaf headquarters, in Miami, FL.

The second edition of the tournament, which will be hosted in Curacao from April 5-15 and is part of the expanded Concacaf Club Competition Platform, will feature the participation of clubs from 13 different Caribbean Associations. Through this competition, the participating clubs continue working with Concacaf towards a long-term vision to professionalize the club game across the region.

The draw, which sorted the clubs into three groups of three and one group of four for the first round of the competition, was conducted by Concacaf’s Director of Development, Jason Roberts.

The groups for the 2019 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield are as follows:

Group A
A1: Jong Holland (Curacao)
A2: Scholars International Sports Club (Cayman Islands)
A3: Fruta Conquerors Football (Guyana)
A4: Santiago de Cuba (Cuba)

Group B
B1: Weymouth Wales (Barbados)
B2: SV Real Rincon (Bonaire)
B3: Club Sportif Moulien (Guadeloupe)

Group C
C1: Hoppers FC (Antigua & Barbuda)
C2: Platinum Football Club (Saint Lucia)
C3: Rams Village Superstars (Saint Kitts & Nevis)

Group D
D1: Club Franciscain (Martinique)
D2: Dakota FC (Aruba)
D3: SV Robinhood (Suriname)

After round-robin play, each group winners and runner-up will advance to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal winners will automatically qualify to the semifinals. The two finalists will dispute the final on Monday, April 15, 2019. The complete schedule will be released in the coming months.

The winner of the 2019 Concacaf Caribbean Shield, provided said team fulfills the Concacaf Regional Club Licensing criteria, will have the opportunity to face the fourth-place finisher of the 2019 Flow Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship in a playoff match to determine the fourth Caribbean representative in the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf League.

In the inaugural edition of the Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield, Club Franciscain of Martinique was crowned champion with a 2-1 victory over Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe. The Martinique club continued its outstanding 2018 international season by edging Trinidad and Tobago’s Central FC 2-1 in the Flow Caribbean Club Championship playoff to secure a spot in its first-ever Scotiabank Concacaf League, where it eventually fell to Nicaraguan side Walter Ferretti in penalties.

CONCACAF Gold Cup Disciplinary Committee Issues Decision in El Salvador Cases

MIAMI, FLORIDA (July 22, 2017) The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced this evening the decisions taken by the Gold Cup Disciplinary Committee, in the cases regarding anti-sporting behavior by two El Salvador players during the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal match against the United States played July 19 in Philadelphia.

The Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanctions on El Salvador players Henry Romero and Darwin Ceren, which took immediate effect:

• Player Henry Romero receives a six-match ban from participating in the next official matches with the El Salvador national team;
• Player Darwin Ceren receives a three-match ban from participating in the next official matches with the El Salvador national team.

The sanctions were communicated to the El Salvador Football Federation, at which point they took immediate effect. 

Jamaica, El Salvador battle to one-all draw; both advance to knockout stage of Gold Cup

Nelson Bonilla (#9) reacts to scoring the first goal for
El Salvador in thier win over Jamaica in the 2017 Gold Cup.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (July 16, 2017)  Jamaica and El Salvador battled to a one-all draw in the final game for both teams in Group C action of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, July 16, 2017. The Reggae Boyz finish the group stage of the tournament in second place with a 1-0-2 record (5 points). Los Cuscatlecos finished with four points and a 1-1-1 record. Both teams will advance to the knockout stage of the tournament, with El Salvador having the best record of third place teams.

El Salvador found pay dirt in the 15th minute with a solid shot from forward Nelson Bonilla. It was his second goal of the tournament, having scored in the 10th minute in La Selecta's 3-1 loss to Mexico on July 9. As a result of his score and play, he was selected the Man of the Match.

Jamaica had a chance to even the score in the 45th minute when midfielder Ewan Grandison came rushing down the right side and drilled a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which was deflected by goalkeeper Derby Carillo. After one minute of added time, both teams headed to the locker room at half time with El Salvador leading 1-0. The Reggae Boyz finally did even the score in the 64th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Forward Darren Mattocks nailed the shot to tie the score. With the score, Mattocks, who plays professionally for the Portland Timbers, became Jamaica's all-time top score in the Gold Cup. He made his debut in Jamaica's 2-0 win over El Salvador on August 15, 2012.

Two yellow cards were issued in the match; the first to Jamaica's Romario Williams in the 47th minute and the second to El Salvador's Narciso Orellana in the 63rd minute. The Reggae Boys pushed their overall Gold Cup record to 14 wins, 17 loses, and seven draws. La Selecta overall record is eight wins, 16 loses, and seven draws.