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CONCACAF Champions League: FC Dallas v Pachuca Recap, 3 Key Takeaways

By Richard DeLaurell

Mar 18, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Maximiliano Urruti (37) and midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) and defender Hernan Grana (2) celebrate a goal against the New England Revolution during the game at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats New England Revolution 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Maximiliano Urruti (37) and midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) and defender Hernan Grana (2) celebrate a goal against the New England Revolution during the game at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats New England Revolution 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recap of the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Semi Featuring FC Dallas v Pachuca and what the MLS side takes from the match.

FC Dallas Eliminated in Semi Clash as Liga MX Domination Continues

By now you know that CF Pachuca is moving on to the finals of the 2017 CONCACAF Champions League.  Tuzos defeated FC Dallas, 3:1(4:3 agg) in last night’s (Tues, Ap. 4) semifinal return leg at Estadio Hidalgo.

First Thing About That: Dallas Should Hold Their Heads Up

Though the loss ends a great run through the CCL for the men from Frisco, FCD fans can still take a couple of positives away from the tie.

Most important, it’s pretty obvious that extending coach Óscar Pareja’s contract was definitely the right thing for the club to do.  Since his arrival at Toyota Stadium, ÓP has moved his team inexorably forward and upwards.  FCD have advanced seemingly every match since he took over in 2014.

The CCL semis were no different.  Down 2-0 on the scoreboard and 3-2 on aggregate, deep into the last half, his team rallied and nearly pushed the thing to OT.  The coach made timely substitutions that created threats and helped to compensate for the effects of the stadium’s 8K ft. altitude.  Most importantly, despite the first leg lead, he and his whole team went for the out-right win from Tuesday’s opening kickoff.

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Second, Chucky Lozano Can Take A Beating

On the other side of the ball, Pachuca’s resurgent star, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, delivered when his team needed him to.  Absent from the 1st leg in Frisco, at home again in Hidalgo, he scored a brace.  His first, the game winner; the second (“no, really, I meant it as a shot, not a cross”) sealed Dallas’ fate.

Lozano was harassed all night by FCD defenders and spent a lot of time on the turf. Despite his recent bout with nagging injury, every time he was knocked to that turf he got up. And he still managed to threaten Dallas’ goal from the first.

It’s the kind of physicality that he will face regularly if he makes a predicted move to Europe this summer.  He is definitely playing above his league right now, but is it enough above to take him to the next level?

Third, Chucky’s Not Alone Out There

Though Lozano’s return for the 2d leg seemed to be the difference with Dallas, moving forward, Pachuca’s opponents in the final need to be aware that Tuzos have other weapons.

Jonathan Urretaviscaya made a lot of noise last night.  He is CFP’s go-to guy when it comes to set pieces and a service specialist.  The 27 year old scored “most” of his team’s first goal, getting help from teammate Franco Jara’s head…and chest…and chin.  He also nearly scored the opener in the 18th minute with a terrific header.

Next: USMNT: Host city for the next home WCQ announced

Pachuca now await the winner of tonight’s other semis between Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS’ last hope in this year’s CCL, and fellow Liga MX side, Tigres UNAL.  Click here to read Gareth Wolff’s preview of that match.

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