ORLANDO, Florida – Concacaf is extending its profound gratitude to the City of Orlando, Exploria Stadium, Orlando City SC and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission for a successful finish to the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.
“We are very grateful to Orlando City SC, the Orlando Sports Commission and the Mayor’s Office for supporting Concacaf to deliver the final matches of our 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio. “The facilities at Exploria Stadium are first class and all the city’s stakeholders have assisted us in organizing this competition safely, and in a manner that has allowed the teams to showcase some great football to fans across the region. We have seen what a great city this is and on behalf of everyone at Concacaf and the participating clubs, thank you, Orlando.”
Eight teams descended upon Central Florida for the resumption of the tournament, with a total of seven matches played at Exploria Stadium.
The quarterfinals of the 2020 SCCL resumed on Tuesday, December 15 with Olimpia advancing to the semifinals 2-2 on aggregate via the away goal tiebreaker, despite a 1-0 defeat to the Montreal Impact in their second leg. That was followed by Tigres defeating New York City FC 4-0 in the second leg for a 5-0 triumph on aggregate.
The quarterfinal stage was wrapped up the following day on Wednesday, December 16, with Club America reaching the final four of the tournament, despite a 1-0 defeat to Atlanta United, while in the lone single-game quarterfinal match, Los Angeles FC rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Cruz Azul, 2-1.
Last Saturday, December 19, Tigres punched their ticket to their fourth SCCL final with a 3-0 victory over Olimpia, while LAFC once again rallied from a one-goal deficit to top Club America 3-1. The tournament was then capped in grand style on Tuesday, December 22 in an exciting Final between LAFC and Tigres which saw the Liga MX side crowned champions after a hard fought 2-1 victory.
“We’re honored to have been able to host this great competition and seven exciting games at Exploria Stadium, but also to do so in such a safe manner,” said Orlando City SC CEO Alex Leitão. “As we finish up a year in which the city of Orlando was the center of sport, we remain humbled to have been able to showcase our Club’s excellent facilities and hospitality to Concacaf here in the City Beautiful.”
The City of Orlando also was instrumental in providing support to ensure the safety of all teams with a controlled environment in both the team hotel and the stadium, regular testing and the adherence of all safety protocols.
"Throughout the pandemic, Orlando has been able to adapt in order to continue hosting premier sporting events. Our culture of collaboration has helped our regional partners work together to ensure the safety and well-being of the athletes, staff and everyone participating. We're so glad that the conclusion of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League tournament was a success and we look forward to hosting more international soccer events in the future,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Concacaf is also appreciative of the operations staff at Exploria Stadium and Orlando City SC, and for the support of the Orlando Sports Commission. All of the local stakeholders collaborated seamlessly with Concacaf to produce a successful conclusion to the Confederation’s premier club tournament.
“We are so pleased that our community could play a role in the safe return and conclusion of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League tournament,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “From the operations team at Orlando City SC and Exploria Stadium to our tourism partners and local leaders, the ease with which our region works together to support events is second to none. We appreciate Concacaf’s trust in Orlando, and we look forward to working with them again in the very near future.”