Tauro FC vs. D.C. United
2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League
October 21 | 8 pm ET | Estadio Rommel Fernandez
TV: Fox Soccer Plus
Having already clinched advancement to the knockout round, D.C. United can conclude Group 4 play with a perfect 4-0-0 mark with a win in Panama against Tauro FC on Tuesday. Although Tauro sit at the foot of the group standings in the 2014-15 CCL, a trip to Central America will be new to most of United's players, and they may find the challenge a bit tougher than previous games. But even with their place booked to the quarterfinals, the MLS side still have something to play for.
---
CAN D.C. REACH THE TOP FOUR? It appears this year, the MLS clubs that have advanced to the knockout stage are savvy to the idea that a top-four finish is necessary to maximize chances of advancing past the quarterfinals. With the top four seeds getting to host the second leg of the knockout stage series, it appears stepping up to try and ensure that a top four seeding is a priority. If D.C. can indeed get a top-four seed, they could find a way to break through the Liga MX monopoly on the CCL. But first, they need to grab a victory against Tauro to maximize their chances. At present, they are just outside of the top four, but a win in Panama would guarantee their place.
REVENGE FOR DELY VALDES? Current Tauro coach Jorge Dely Valdes played in MLS for two seasons, with the Colorado Rapids in 1999-2000. He also served as assistant coach with Panama's national team under twin brother Julio from 2010-13. In 2013, Panama lost to the US national team in two key games, the 2013 Gold Cup final, and the World Cup qualifying hexagonal final. Although Tauro has struggled in CCL this year, and lost to D.C. in their last game 2-0, could Dely Valdes summon the motivation to get his players a rare victory against an American club? Again, with the game taking place in Panama, don't automatically mark United down for a victory heading into the game.
DEPTH CHARGE FOR D.C.: One of the benefits of the CCL run to date for United is that they've been able to integrate a number of reserves in meaningful games. With the MLS Cup playoffs ahead for the East's No. 1 seed, giving players who haven't seen as much playing time over the course of the MLS season time could play a key role in their MLS Cup hopes, if starters go down with injury or are suspended.
---
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
CHRIS PONTIUS, midfielder, D.C. United: Pontius made his long-awaited return to action in September after being sidelined due to injury. Having played in the home leg against Tauro as well as the last six league fixtures, United will hope Pontius is rounding into full match fitness ahead of the playoffs. With a goal in the win over Tauro last month, a good performance could reinforce Pontius' status as yet another attacking weapon on a deep team.
LUIS MORENO, defender, Tauro: The Panamanian international and Tauro captain will have to marshal a strong team performance if they are to grab a result from their CCL finale.
