Philadelphia Union and St. Louis City win CONCACAF Champions Cup first legs

Julian Carranza's three goals in the second half led the Philadelphia Union to a 3-2 victory against Saprissa on Tuesday in Costa Rica, marking the first match of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round series.

The second leg of the two-leg, total-goal series is set for February 27 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The teams are competing for the opportunity to face Mexico's Pachuca in the round of 16.

St. Louis City defeated Dynamo 2-1, with Hosei Kijima scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute.

The first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round series saw Tim Parker scoring the opening goal for St. Louis before Sebastian Kowalczyk equalized for Houston.

The series will conclude on February 27 in Houston, with the winner advancing to play against the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew in the round of 16.

In a crucial moment, a St. Louis City cross caused chaos in the Dynamo's six-yard box, leading to Kijima seizing the opportunity and slotting home a 12-foot shot.